Fatty liver symptoms to watch before it turns cancerous: Who's most at risk and what lifestyle changes can help
Fatty liver disease, now medically known as MASLD, is becoming more common, especially among people who are overweight, diabetic, or have metabolic syndrome. Though often symptomless in its early stages, it can progress to MASH—a more severe form involving liver inflammation and damage—which significantly increases the risk of liver cancer. Experts highlight that early detection and lifestyle changes like maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can help reverse the condition before it becomes life-threatening.
Rising Cases of Fatty Liver Disease Linked to Cancer Risk Fatty liver disease, now referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is becoming increasingly common, particularly among individuals who are overweight, diabetic, or living with metabolic syndrome. While early stages of the condition might not cause any visible symptoms, health experts caution that without timely intervention, it can advance into a more serious condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which significantly heightens the risk of liver cancer.According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, MASH can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis—each a known precursor to hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer. Though the disease can remain silent in its early stages, regular screening and lifestyle changes can help prevent long-term complications.
MASLD involves the accumulation of fat in the liver in people who consume little or no alcohol. While MASLD itself may not be immediately dangerous, around 25% of affected individuals may develop MASH. This progression brings inflammation and damage to liver cells, eventually causing fibrosis (scarring) and possibly cirrhosis. Internal medicine specialist Dr. Jessica Hwang explains that once fibrosis has developed, the damage is difficult to reverse and increases cancer risk due to long-term cellular injury and inflammation.What makes this disease particularly risky is that even those without cirrhosis may still face elevated cancer risk if they have MASH, as chronic inflammation remains a driver of cellular changes in the liver.Several groups of people are more susceptible to MASLD and its complications: Individuals who are overweight or obese, especially with abdominal fat
Those with type 2 diabetes
People with high cholesterol or triglycerides
Individuals with high blood pressure
Those with metabolic syndrome, defined by a combination of obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels
People with a family history of liver disease According to Dr. Hwang, the presence of these conditions not only raises the risk of MASLD but also increases the likelihood of progression to MASH and liver cancer.
Fatty liver disease is often termed a 'silent' condition. Most people experience no noticeable symptoms until the disease becomes advanced. However, there are some potential warning signs, such as:
Ongoing fatigue
Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
Elevated liver enzymes seen in routine blood tests
Enlarged liver visible through imaging
Unexplained weight loss in more advanced cases Because symptoms can be minimal or entirely absent, early detection through blood tests, ultrasounds, or MRIs is especially important for people with risk factors.Experts emphasize that the condition is not only preventable but often reversible if caught early. Key preventive measures include: Maintaining a healthy weight: Losing just 5–10% of body weight can improve liver health.
Losing just 5–10% of body weight can improve liver health. Eating a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins helps reduce fat buildup in the liver.
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean proteins helps reduce fat buildup in the liver. Exercising regularly: At least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of intense exercise weekly is recommended.
At least 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of intense exercise weekly is recommended. Improving sleep quality: Poor sleep can increase insulin resistance and weight gain, worsening liver health.
Poor sleep can increase insulin resistance and weight gain, worsening liver health. Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol: These substances can further damage the liver and heighten cancer risk.
These substances can further damage the liver and heighten cancer risk. Managing cholesterol and blood sugar: Through a combination of diet, medication, and physical activity. Hydration and routine check-ups are also vital. If you belong to a high-risk group or have symptoms, speaking with your doctor about liver screening and new treatment options, including certain weight-loss medications, can be critical.Fatty liver disease might start off as a minor health issue, but its potential to evolve into MASH and even liver cancer makes early intervention crucial. With rising cases globally, especially among those with poor dietary and exercise habits, the condition is increasingly viewed as a serious health threat. Fortunately, the path to better liver health lies largely in lifestyle choices.
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Time of India
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Fatty liver disease was once considered a relatively rare and benign condition. It now has become one of the most pressing public health concerns. The reasons are simple enough — rising rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. While alcohol is a known risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver is also more prevalent now. Fatty liver is now classified as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), mainly driven by obesity, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia—not alcohol alone. What makes it particularly alarming is how it often goes unnoticed — many individuals discover they have fatty liver only when imaging is done for unrelated reasons. Imaging is crucial for early detection, identifying liver issues that blood tests may not detect early. In 2024, 2.5 lakh individuals were screened, of which 65% had fatty liver. Notably, 52% had normal liver enzyme levels, according to Apollo Hospitals Health of the Nation Report 2025. Hepatologists say patients often come in for fatigue and mild abdominal discomfort. What appears to be a minor issue turns out to be stage-2 NAFLD. Worse still, this condition is no longer just a concern for the middle-aged or the obese — even teenagers are showing early signs of fatty liver due to diets high in processed foods and sugary drinks. A study in the US involving adolescents revealed that nearly 10% had some form of fatty liver changes, often linked to soft drink consumption and a lack of physical activity. What's particularly concerning is the long-term trajectory: Fatty liver can quietly progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer without any obvious silent developments underscore the need for early screening, public awareness, and a shift in lifestyle choices. Today, watching for fatty liver isn't just a medical necessity — it's a cultural wake-up call. Eat nutrient-rich food: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil; Omega-3 from salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds; black coffee or green tea: 2–3 cups/day (unsweetened); healthy snacking via dark chocolate with nuts, dates with walnuts, Greek yogurt with berries, lean proteins, healthy fats. Avoid processed, sugary, fast foods and fried foods. That means colas, sodas, and candies are a no. Avoid white bread, pastries, red meat, processed meats, trans and saturated fats. Work out regularly: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate or 75 minutes a week of intense activity. Aim for 40 minutes a day for six days a wee. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can help. Avoid alcohol and certain medications like statins and corticosteroids. Control blood sugar and cholesterol. What is Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat (more than 5–10% of the liver's weight) accumulates in liver cells. What does the liver do? It detoxifies the body, produces essential proteins, and helps digest fats. What does fatty liver do? With a rise in fat buildup, liver cells can become inflamed and scarred — impairing its vital functions. Why is fatty liver a big deal? Three reasons: It is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes; it can affect even non-drinkers (ergo, non-alcoholic); and it often goes undiagnosed until significant damage has occurred. What are the symptoms? Most people have no symptoms in the early stages. Detected accidentally via ultrasound or blood tests. In advanced stages, symptoms and complications include fatigue, abdominal pain (right upper side, enlarged liver, jaundice (in severe cases). What are the complications of fatty liver? Fibrosis - scarring; cirrhosis - severe liver damage; liver cancer (rare but possible).
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a day ago
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Fatty liver disease was once considered a relatively rare and benign condition. It now has become one of the most pressing public health concerns . The reasons are simple enough — rising rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. While alcohol is a known risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver is also more prevalent now. Fatty liver is now classified as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), mainly driven by obesity, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia—not alcohol alone. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Data Science Project Management PGDM healthcare CXO Degree Technology Management Design Thinking Operations Management Cybersecurity Public Policy MCA Data Science Product Management Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Finance Leadership Digital Marketing others Data Analytics Others Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details What makes it particularly alarming is how it often goes unnoticed — many individuals discover they have fatty liver only when imaging is done for unrelated reasons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands With Knee Pain Say: 'This Just Works' Wellnee Undo Imaging is crucial for early detection, identifying liver issues that blood tests may not detect early. In 2024, 2.5 lakh individuals were screened, of which 65% had fatty liver. Notably, 52% had normal liver enzyme levels, according to Apollo Hospitals Health of the Nation Report 2025. Live Events Hepatologists say patients often come in for fatigue and mild abdominal discomfort. What appears to be a minor issue turns out to be stage-2 NAFLD. Worse still, this condition is no longer just a concern for the middle-aged or the obese — even teenagers are showing early signs of fatty liver due to diets high in processed foods and sugary drinks. A study in the US involving adolescents revealed that nearly 10% had some form of fatty liver changes, often linked to soft drink consumption and a lack of physical activity. What's particularly concerning is the long-term trajectory: Fatty liver can quietly progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer without any obvious symptoms. These silent developments underscore the need for early screening, public awareness, and a shift in lifestyle choices. Today, watching for fatty liver isn't just a medical necessity — it's a cultural wake-up call. The four stages Six things you can do Eat nutrient-rich food: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil; Omega-3 from salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds; black coffee or green tea: 2–3 cups/day (unsweetened); healthy snacking via dark chocolate with nuts, dates with walnuts, Greek yogurt with berries, lean proteins, healthy fats. Avoid processed, sugary, fast foods and fried foods. That means colas, sodas, and candies are a no. Avoid white bread, pastries, red meat, processed meats, trans and saturated fats. Work out regularly: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate or 75 minutes a week of intense activity. Aim for 40 minutes a day for six days a wee. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can help. Avoid alcohol and certain medications like statins and corticosteroids. Control blood sugar and cholesterol. Doc Talk Liver FAQs What is Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat (more than 5–10% of the liver's weight) accumulates in liver cells. What does the liver do? It detoxifies the body, produces essential proteins, and helps digest fats. What does fatty liver do? With a rise in fat buildup, liver cells can become inflamed and scarred — impairing its vital functions. Why is fatty liver a big deal? Three reasons: It is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes; it can affect even non-drinkers (ergo, non-alcoholic); and it often goes undiagnosed until significant damage has occurred. What are the symptoms? Most people have no symptoms in the early stages. Detected accidentally via ultrasound or blood tests. In advanced stages, symptoms and complications include fatigue, abdominal pain (right upper side, enlarged liver, jaundice (in severe cases). What are the complications of fatty liver? Fibrosis - scarring; cirrhosis - severe liver damage; liver cancer (rare but possible).
