Gastroenterologist reveals concerning 'warning signs' of fatty liver disease

Fatty liver disease is a condition whereby fat accumulates in the liver. Over time, it can develop into cirrhosis, or liver scarring, which impedes its normal function.

It’s important to know the warning signs of fatty liver disease so you can act before it starts causing you harm. While you might think these liver conditions are alcohol-related, they can also strike people for non-alcoholic reasons.

Dr Saurabh Sethi, a gastroenterologist posting on TikTok as @doctorsethimd, has shared some essential warning signs that could point to fatty liver disease, and it’s well worth taking note.

Yellowed skin or eyes could point to improper liver function (MediaProduction/Getty Images)

The Harvard University graduate’s eight signs ‘you do not want to miss’ focus on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is often seen in people who are either overweight or obese.

While NAFLD can be harmless in its early stages, it can easily get worse and develop into cirrhosis. However, if it’s caught early, it’s possible to prevent it from worsening and even to reduce the amount of fat being stored in the liver.

Before we get into the warning signs, let's take a look at how NAFLD can progress towards cirrhosis.

The four stages of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

NAFLD typically develops over four stages, although it usually don’t go beyond the first in most people. While it’s only a small number of people who will see the condition develop beyond that first stage, it’s important to be mindful of the warning signs and act accordingly to prevent its advancement.

These are the four main stages of NAFLD:

1. Steatosis – this is the ‘simple fatty liver’ stage where fat starts building up in the liver. At this stage the fat build-up is usually harmless, and it’s often diagnosed during tests done for other purposes;
2. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis – the second stage is much more serious than the first, with the liver becoming inflamed under the strain of the fat build-up;
3. Fibrosis – if the inflammation persists, scar tissue can start forming in the liver and adjacent blood vessels. The liver can still function normally in most cases, but this is essentially the precursor to cirrhosis;
4. Cirrhosis – at this stage the liver will have been inflamed for years, becoming permanently scarred, shrunken and nobbly. The liver may no longer function properly and could undergo liver failure or develop liver cancer.

The warning signs of NAFLD

Posting to TikTok, Dr Sethi 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."

He continued: "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.

Unexpected weight gain may point to fatty liver disease (Peter Dazeley/Getty Images)

"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."