Fatty liver disease symptoms: Weight loss may be a surprising sign of a scarred liver

Once the condition begins to show outward signs of fatty liver disease, it means the disease has already progressed from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). What’s the difference? NAFD means that there is fat stored in the liver that isn’t causing any organ damage. However, if the fat continues to build up and NASH develops, then the liver will begin sending out distress signals.

This is because the organ is being damaged, causing it to run less efficiently.

The symptoms of NASH include:

• Severe tiredness
• Weakness
• Weight loss
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Spiderlike blood vessels on the skin
• Long-lasting itching

These symptoms might take years to develop, as more and more of the liver is damaged.

Some damage to the liver is irreversible, especially so if scarring occurs – this is known as cirrhosis.

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Cirrhosis brings forth further symptoms of damage, such as:

• Fluid retention
• Internal bleeding
• Muscle wasting
• Confusion

“People with cirrhosis over time may develop liver failure and need a liver transplant,” warned John Hopkins Medicine.

The most common cause of fatty liver disease – at any stage – is obesity.

Other risk factors for developing the condition include:

• Having high cholesterol
• Having high triglycerides
• Diabetes
• Pre-diabetes
• High blood pressure

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A routine blood test can determine if you have a fatty liver, which can be verified by an ultrasound or MRI scan.

What can be done about it?

If you’re in the earlier stages of NAFLD, then lifestyle adjustments are recommended.

This includes losing weight, lowering cholesterol and triglycerides, which can be done by exercising everyday, even if it’s an half hour brisk walk.

It’s also advisable to control any other health conditions you may have, such as diabetes.

Furthermore, John Hopkins Medicine also recommend that anyone with NAFLD should avoid drinking alcohol.

For those who have developed NASH, the same lifestyle guidance applies to help reverse the condition.

In addition, people with NASH are advised to limit over-the-counter drugs, and to use medication to:

• Reduce cholesterol
• Reduce blood pressure
• Control diabetes

Without making these necessary changes, progression of the condition might lead to liver failure.

The NHS stated that the waiting time for a liver transplant is 135 day from recently deceased donors.

People with NASH are highly advised to adopt a healthy lifestyle so that they have a stronger chance of survival.

This includes exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, losing weight, and not smoking

“NAFLD is not caused by alcohol, but drinking may make it worse. It’s therefore advisable to cut down or stop drinking alcohol,” said the NHS.

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