Fatty Liver (MASLD) Care in Chula Vista

Introduction: New Name, Better Clarity—Same Mission: Your Liver Health

Fatty liver disease has a new name—MASLD (metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease)—and MASH replaces NASH. The update emphasizes the metabolic roots of the condition and removes stigmatizing language, helping patients get clearer, earlier care.

At Medical Wellness Doc, Dr. Nisha Kuruvadi provides comprehensive MASLD evaluation and treatment for adults in Chula Vista and the South Bay, combining plant-forward nutrition, weight management, and evidence-based medications when appropriate. This approach mirrors the same lifestyle-first metabolic care used in our fatty liver reversal programs.

Key takeaway: With the right lifestyle plan and modern, non-invasive testing, many patients improve liver health without procedures—and those who need medications now have FDA-approved options.

What Are MASLD and MASH? (New Terms Explained)

• MASLD: The umbrella term for fatty liver linked to metabolic risk (obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia)

• MASH: The inflammatory form that can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer if untreated

This updated framework highlights why MASLD is often addressed alongside prediabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, not in isolation.

Who’s at Risk? (Diabetes, Weight, Lipids)

People with type 2 diabetes, central obesity, or abnormal cholesterol have significantly higher rates of MASLD and MASH. Improving insulin sensitivity through nutrition, movement, and—when indicated—metabolic medications improves both liver and cardiometabolic outcomes.

This is why many patients with fatty liver are also enrolled in our Prediabetes Reversal Program in Chula Vista for coordinated care.

Non-Invasive Fibrosis Assessment (Skip the Biopsy—When You Can)

We use a stepwise, guideline-based approach to stage fibrosis and determine next steps.

First-Line Blood Score: FIB-4

• <1.3: Low risk → lifestyle management + monitoring

• ≥1.3: Proceed to second-line testing

• >2.67: Advanced fibrosis likely → confirm and refer

Age note: FIB-4 thresholds are adjusted for older adults.

Second-Line Non-Invasive Tests

• FibroScan® (VCTE)

• ELF test

• MR elastography (when indicated)

These tools allow accurate staging without biopsy for many patients and are commonly used alongside integrative lifestyle medicine programs.

Lifestyle Protocol (Foundational Care)

Lifestyle medicine remains the cornerstone of MASLD and MASH management.

Weight & Fitness Targets

• ≥5% weight loss: reduces liver fat

• 7–10%: improves inflammation

• ≥10%: may improve fibrosis

Nutrition

Plant-forward, high-fiber meals:

• Legumes, vegetables, intact grains

• Limited added sugars and refined carbs

• Minimal or no alcohol

This dietary pattern aligns with evidence supporting plant-based nutrition for metabolic and liver health.

Activity

• Brisk walking most days

• Resistance training 2–3×/week to preserve muscle and insulin sensitivity

Muscle preservation is critical, as explained in why muscle is key to metabolic health.

Medication Options (Case-by-Case, Evidence-Based)

When lifestyle alone isn’t enough—or fibrosis is present—medications may be added thoughtfully.

• Resmetirom (Rezdiffra™): FDA-approved for non-cirrhotic MASH with F2–F3 fibrosis

• Semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy®): Accelerated FDA approval for MASH with moderate-to-advanced fibrosis; also improves weight and metabolic control

Medication decisions are made alongside lifestyle care and often overlap with GLP-1–based obesity and metabolic treatment.

Coverage varies; we verify Sharp, Scripps, Medi-Cal, and PPO benefits in advance.

When to Refer (or Co-Manage with Hepatology)

We coordinate specialty care when needed, including:

• FIB-4 >2.67 or high FibroScan scores

• Persistent ALT elevation or discordant tests

• Cirrhosis complications or suspected alternate liver disease

• HCC surveillance or specialty drug monitoring

Neighborhoods We Serve

Chula Vista (Eastlake, Otay Ranch), Bonita, National City, Imperial Beach, San Ysidro—and via telehealth across California.

Your First Visit: What to Expect

• Comprehensive history and exam

• Labs and FIB-4 calculation

• FibroScan or second-line testing if indicated

• Personalized nutrition and movement roadmap

• Medication discussion only when clinically appropriate

This visit structure mirrors our preventive metabolic and longevity care model used across South Bay clinics.

Success Story: “Carlos Turned the Corner in 16 Weeks”

Carlos (57, Bonita) began with fatigue and a FIB-4 of 1.8. With a plant-forward plan, post-meal walks, resistance training, and semaglutide (insurance-approved):

At 16 weeks:

• ✅ 9% weight loss and improved A1C

• ✅ ALT normalized; fibrosis risk reduced

• ✅ Sustainable routine and better energy

FAQs

1) Do I still need a biopsy?Often no. Blood scores plus elastography can risk-stratify many patients.

2) What’s the difference between MASLD and MASH?MASLD is the full metabolic fatty-liver spectrum; MASH is the inflammatory subtype.

3) How much weight loss helps the liver?≥5% lowers fat, 7–10% improves inflammation, ≥10% may improve fibrosis.

4) Are there medications now?Yes—resmetirom and semaglutide/Wegovy for eligible non-cirrhotic MASH patients.

5) Do you accept my insurance?Yes. Sharp, Scripps, Medi-Cal, and PPO plans (verified before testing).

Call to Action

Don’t wait for symptoms. Get your liver checked, staged, and supported with a plan that fits your life.

➡️ Book your MASLD/MASH evaluation in Chula Vista today.