A doctor shared signs of fatty liver disease you might not realise indicate a bigger issue
A doctor has shared the warning signs of fatty liver disease you might not initially realise are a sign of a bigger issue. Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist, shares his experience and knowledge with his 503,000 followers on TikTok (@doctorsethimd).
The doctor, who graduated from Harvard University has gone viral a number of times and has now shared eight signs of fatty liver disease he says “you do not want to miss.”
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the term for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. According to the NHS, it’s usually seen in people who are overweight or obese.
Early-stage NAFLD does not usually cause any harm, but it can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, if it gets worse. If detected and managed at an early stage, it’s possible to stop NAFLD getting worse and reduce the amount of fat in your liver.
In a recent clip, Dr Sethi detailed the different signs to look out for when it comes to fatty liver disease. He said: “First, unexpected weight gain could signal fatty liver disease, especially if around the abdomen.
“Second, persistent fatigue and weakness, even with enough rest, might indicate liver issues. Third, abdominal pain and swelling in the upper right abdomen could point to fatty liver disease.”
The doctor added: “Fourth, high blood sugar levels are linked to insulin resistance, which is often seen in fatty liver. Fifth, dark urine and pale stools would indicate liver dysfunction.
“Yellowing of the skin and the eyes, that is jaundice, is a sign of advanced fatty liver disease. High cholesterol levels, these commonly coexist with fatty liver.
“And eighth, easy bruising and bleeding, which can happen with advanced fatty liver disease.”
Stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
NAFLD develops in four main stages, and most people will only ever develop the first stage, usually without realising it. According to the NHS, In a small number of cases it can progress and eventually lead to liver damage if not detected and managed.
The main stages of NAFLD are:
- simple fatty liver (steatosis) – a largely harmless build-up of fat in the liver cells that may only be diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason
- non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – a more serious form of NAFLD, where the liver has become inflamed
- fibrosis – where persistent inflammation causes scar tissue around the liver and nearby blood vessels, but the liver is still able to function normally
- cirrhosis – the most severe stage, occurring after years of inflammation, where the liver shrinks and becomes scarred and lumpy; this damage is permanent and can lead to liver failure (where your liver stops working properly) and liver cancer
It can take years for fibrosis or cirrhosis to develop. It’s important to make lifestyle changes to prevent the condition getting worse.