Fatty liver: How to identify early signs and symptoms

Go for tests once you see these red flags, says Dr Punit Singla, Director & HOD, Institute of Liver Transplant & HPB Surgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram

Fatty liver disease may be hard to detect but it leaves behind subtle clues that demand attention.

3 min readApr 20, 2024 07:53 AM IST First published on: Apr 19, 2024 at 01:06 PM IST

By Dr Punit Singla

Fatty liver disease, once considered a condition primarily affecting heavy drinkers, has emerged as a prevalent health concern affecting millions worldwide. This has been primarily because of poor lifestyle choices resulting in obesity, insulin resistance, high cholesterol and hypertension. However, what makes fatty liver particularly insidious is its silent progression, often without noticeable symptoms until the disease reaches advanced stages.

Since it is asymptomatic in its early stages, people remain unaware of their condition until complications arise or routine medical tests reveal abnormal liver function. However, as the disease progresses, certain subtle signs may emerge, including fatigue, abdominal discomfort and unexplained weight loss. These non-specific symptoms can easily be attributed to other health issues, making the diagnosis challenging without proper screening.

WATCH OUT FOR EARLY SIGNS

Fatty liver disease may be hard to detect but it leaves behind subtle clues that demand attention.

Dark-coloured urine: Bilirubin build-up can cause urine to darken, signalling potential liver dysfunction associated with fatty liver disease.

Unexplained weight loss: Metabolic disturbances linked to fatty liver disease can lead to unexplained weight loss, often accompanied by a decreased appetite.

Unexplained fatigue: Not feeling up to anything or malaise.

Skin changes: You could have itchy skin, red blotches or spider-like blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. Yellowing of skin.

Abdominal discomfort: Feelings of fullness or bloating in the abdomen may indicate liver enlargement due to fat accumulation, prompting further evaluation. Pain or discomfort in the upper right belly area.

Abdominal fat: If you have belly fat and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 30, it is definitely a sign of fat accumulation in the liver.

ELevated cholesterol and BP: The liver makes cholesterol and any dysfunction means its levels could get deranged. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with high cholesterol, perhaps it’s worth looking at how your liver is functioning. Studies have shown an increased risk of hypertension for those suffering from fatty liver. Monitor these levels and go for a liver function test.

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Tendency to binge-eat: Feeling hungry even when you have had your regular meals and gorging on sugary or fatty food at the sight of it could be an early sign of liver damage. Researchers based at the German Diabetes Center discovered that individuals who ate a meal rich in saturated fat even once experienced an immediate increase in their body’s fat accumulation as well as alterations in their liver’s metabolic function.

While these signs may appear minor, they serve as early warning signs of potential liver dysfunction and should not be ignored. Go for blood tests and an ultrasound scan if the numbers are deranged.

HOW TO PREVENT FATTY LIVER

Fortunately, fatty liver disease is largely preventable through lifestyle modifications and proactive health management. Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains can help reduce the risk of developing fatty liver. Regular exercise plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing fat deposition in the liver. Manage underlying conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.