Liver Health
MASLD vs. MASH vs. Fibrosis: What the Terms Mean
MASLD, MASH, and fibrosis get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same thing. Here’s what each one actually means.
August 20, 2026
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Oakland's Trusted Digestive Health Practice
Comprehensive Gastroenterology, plus advanced liver & weight care.
MacArthur Gastroenterology brings 40+ years of clinical expertise together with physician-supervised programs for fatty liver screening and medical weight management.
Full-scope Gastroenterology Care
From routine colonoscopy and endoscopy to complex GI conditions, our board-certified physicians provide diagnostic and therapeutic care across the full range of digestive health.
40+
Years in practice
2
Board-certified physicians
1
Oakland location
Fatty Liver Screening
A quick, non-invasive Velacur® scan detects fatty liver disease and liver stiffness in minutes, no needles, no prep required.
Weight Management
Physician-supervised programs, including GLP-1 therapy when appropriate, designed around your metabolic health and monitored by our clinical team.
Meet Your Physician
Care led by Dr. Ralph Peterson
Dr. Peterson has served the Oakland community for over four decades, combining deep clinical experience with a personal, unhurried approach to every patient relationship.
From the health library
Practical guidance on gastroenterology, fatty liver disease, and physician-supervised weight loss, written by our clinical team.
Weight Management
What “Food Noise” Is, and Why It Quiets Down
“Food noise” is the constant mental chatter about food that makes weight loss exhausting. Here’s what it is, and why it often quiets down.
August 18, 2026
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Liver Health
Why Fatty Liver Is Silent, and Who’s Most at Risk
MASLD often causes no symptoms at all. Here’s who’s most at risk, and why that silence is exactly why screening matters.
August 13, 2026
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Weight Management
Why Losing Weight Isn’t Just About Willpower
If diet and exercise alone haven’t worked, it’s not a willpower problem. Genetics, hormones, sleep, and metabolism all play a real role.
August 11, 2026
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Weight Management
How Physician-Supervised Weight Management Actually Works
A look inside a physician-supervised weight management program, what your first evaluation covers, and where medication fits into the bigger plan.
August 10, 2026
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Liver Health
What Is MASLD? (Formerly Called Fatty Liver Disease)
MASLD is the new name for fatty liver disease, and it’s far more common than most people realize. Here’s what it is and why catching it early matters.
August 10, 2026
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