Fatty liver disease: 8 warning signs according to a Harvard doctor that can prevent misdiagnosis

Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly common among young adults in the United States. About 25-38% of the adult population is estimated to have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) globally, and the numbers are rising. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial, as fatty liver could progress to severe liver disease such as cirrhosis, and in worst cases, may require a liver transplant. Catching the signs early can prevent these and also help to reverse the condition. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a board-certified Gastroenterologist based in California and trained at Stanford and Harvard, has now explained about eight warning signs of fatty liver that should not be ignored. Take a look.

Sudden or unexplained weight gain is a warning sign of fatty liver. Dr. Sethi stresses that if the weight gain is primarily around the abdomen, it could be an early indication of fatty liver disease. Several studies have shown that excess fat stored in the liver is linked to obesity and central weight gain.

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Feeling tired all the time is a cause for concern. If you experience persistent fatigue or weakness, even after adequate rest, it may be a sign of liver dysfunction. The liver has a crucial role in energy metabolism, and when it does not function properly, one may experience low energy levels.

Another crucial sign to look out for is pain and swelling in the abdominal area where the liver is located. “Abdominal pain and swelling in the upper right abdomen could point to fatty liver disease,” Dr. Sethi says. This pain could be due to inflammation or swelling as a result of fat accumulation in the liver.

Any changes in your urine or stool should not be ignored. According to Dr. Sethi, dark urine and pale stool are signs of liver dysfunction. This happens due to impaired bile production or flow, often linked to fatty liver disease.

“Yellowing of the skin and the eyes, which is jaundice, is a sign of advanced fatty liver disease,” Dr. Sethi warns. The yellowing of the skin or eyes happens when bilirubin builds up in your body. It’s a sign to act immediately.

If your routine blood work signals high blood sugar and insulin resistance, it is also important to check your liver function. Elevated blood levels linked with insulin resistance are commonly seen in people with fatty liver disease. This can also increase the risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome over time.

In people with fatty liver disease, cholesterol and triglyceride levels are elevated. Dr. Sethi says these factors co-exist with fatty liver. So, if your blood work shows elevated cholesterol and triglycerides, you may also want to check your liver function.

If you get bruised or bleed easily, it is a cause for concern. Dr. Sethi explains that this could happen in people with advanced fatty liver disease. In such cases, the liver may struggle to produce enough proteins required for blood clotting. This sign often gets dismissed, but it could be a warning sign of fatty liver.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Fatty liver disease can only be accurately diagnosed and managed by a qualified healthcare professional. If you experience any concerning symptoms, please consult your doctor promptly.