Fatty Liver Causes: The problem of fatty liver is increasing rapidly, due to the fact that people ignore its early symptoms. Let us tell you which symptoms you can identify at home.

Signs of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Due to changing lifestyles in India, many diseases are spreading rapidly, one of them is fatty liver. It is estimated that about 38 percent of adults in the country may be affected by non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The worrying thing is that this disease often progresses slowly without any obvious symptoms. According to gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi (MD, MPH), a definitive diagnosis of fatty liver is made through ultrasound or liver function tests, but there are some early signs that people can feel at home.

Persistent fatigue

The fatigue associated with fatty liver isn't typical of normal weakness. It's characterized by a persistent lack of energy, even after adequate rest. The liver converts nutrients into energy, but when fat accumulates, this process slows down. As a result, you may feel heavy, lethargic, and tired throughout the day. People often dismiss this as a result of stress or overwork, but when it becomes a daily occurrence, it's important to be vigilant.

Increased fat around the stomach

A key sign of fatty liver is increased fat around the waist and abdomen. Sometimes a person appears thin from the outside, but their waist size gradually increases. Dr. Sethi explains that fat accumulated around the liver and internal organs is more dangerous than fat deposited under the skin. It is associated with insulin resistance and poor metabolic health, which are considered early warning signs of fatty liver.

Heaviness or dull pain under the right ribs

Occasional heaviness or mild pain in the right side of the abdomen, below the ribs, may also be a sign. This pain is often not sharp, but feels like pressure, tightness, or fullness. Since the liver is located on the right side of the body, this discomfort, along with fatigue and weight gain, should not be taken lightly.

Mild signs of insulin resistance

Fatty liver is directly linked to insulin resistance, in which the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin. Signs of this can be seen in everyday life, such as feeling hungry again shortly after eating, sudden drops in energy, or darkening of the skin around the neck and armpits. These symptoms often appear before diabetes.

Frequent nausea and loss of appetite

When the liver can't process fat and toxins properly, digestive problems can begin. Signs of this include mild nausea, feeling full after eating a small amount, or a lack of appetite. According to Dr. Sethi, this is due to the liver's weakened function. Over time, the digestive system's balance begins to deteriorate, which may not seem serious immediately, but could indicate a deeper problem.