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Center for Pediatric Obesity
We use an evidence-based approach to prevent childhood obesity and treat children living with obesity. Our Pediatric Healthy Weight Clinic is 1 of 5 in the country recognized by the CDC.
Pediatric Fatty Liver Disease Program
We offer multidisciplinary, comprehensive treatment for fatty liver disease.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), also known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the most common form of chronic liver disease among children and adolescents. It is caused by an excess build-up of fat in the liver, but as it progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), it can cause related issues, such as inflammation (swelling) and scarring of the liver. Without treatment to reduce the amount of fat in the liver and slow or stop the scarring, this can lead to cirrhosis and loss of liver function.
Children living with obesity are at a higher risk for developing pediatric fatty liver disease. As a result, treatment focuses on reducing the fat in the liver through nutrition, exercise and other lifestyle interventions, as well as treating any underlying conditions such as diabetes. Through our Pediatric Fatty Liver Disease Program and related centers and clinics, we offer comprehensive treatment.
Pediatric Hepatobiliary Disease
Pediatric Healthy Weight Clinic
Fatty liver disease: Why choose Henry Ford Health?
- Expert team: Our team includes expert, board-certified physicians from our Center for Pediatric Hepatology as well as trained registered nurses, nurse practitioners, registered dietitians and social workers.
- Coordinated care: We treat fatty liver disease through a multidisciplinary approach between specialists at our Center for Hepatobiliary Disease, Center for Pediatric Obesity, Healthy Weight Clinic and Center for Pediatric Nutrition.
- Comprehensive, family-focused treatment: After your child’s clinical evaluation and any testing needed, we work with you and your family to develop an evidence-based care plan, with goal-oriented interventional therapies. This includes providing treatment in a child-friendly environment to minimize stress on your child.
- Education and support: As a chronic condition, fatty liver disease may require ongoing treatment. We provide you and your family with effective tools and resources that you can use at home.
- Convenience: We offer complete care at our Royal Oak clinic. You’ll find pediatric specialists, testing facilities and procedure rooms, so your family can receive more services under one roof. We are also expanding our pediatric gastroenterology services to additional clinics throughout the region, with our latest new clinic opening at Henry Ford Medical Center – Grosse Pointe. Inpatient admission services as well as endoscopic procedural services are available at Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital.
- Innovation: Clinical trials and other research studies help to define the next gold standard of pediatric care, and our team is at the forefront of research. Children living with obesity and liver disease are two of our core focus areas. Your child may be able to participate in research and access the latest care methods through our science and learning.
Contact Us
Looking for a second opinion?
FAQs about fatty liver disease services at Henry Ford Health
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What Are the Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease?
Besides obesity, potential risk factors include:
- Insulin resistance, or an increase in blood sugar
- Type 2 diabetes and prediabetes
- Unhealthy lifestyle, including poor diet and lack of exercise
- High cholesterol
- Sleep apnea
- Hepatitis C
- Experiencing rapid weight loss
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What Are the Symptoms?
Fatty liver disease and associated conditions often have no symptoms, especially in the early stages. When there are symptoms, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Headaches
- Difficulty concentrating
- Upper right abdominal pain, discomfort or swelling
- Nausea
- Not feeling well overall (malaise)
- Depression or anxiety
- Loss of appetite
- Enlarged spleen
- Leg swelling
- Itchy skin
- Shortness of breath
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin)
- Unexplained weight loss
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How Is It Diagnosed?
Given that there are often no symptoms in the early stages, fatty liver disease may be diagnosed when your child is getting evaluated for another condition. It is typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, medical history and blood tests. Children who are living with obesity and whose blood results show higher levels of specific liver enzymes are more likely to have fatty liver disease.
In addition, an ultrasound may be used to assess the level of stiffness or scarring in the liver, as well as the amount of fat. In certain cases, a needle biopsy may be ordered. This can reveal signs of scarring and fat in the liver, but this test also helps to distinguish whether a child has fatty liver disease or if it has progressed to NASH.