You might have fatty liver and not even know it—here's how to tell

Time of India

23-06-2025

Let's start with a fact that might shake you up a little: fatty liver disease affects nearly 1 in 3 adults globally—and many of them don't even know they have it.
You might be going about your day, powering through deadlines, sipping your usual cup of chai or coffee, feeling a little bloated maybe, but otherwise fine—and meanwhile, your liver might be struggling under layers of fat.
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It doesn't scream. It doesn't throw a tantrum. It just quietly starts failing.
And unless you catch it early, that quiet damage can turn into something loud, scary, and irreversible.
Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, happens when too much fat builds up in your liver cells. Your liver is supposed to have some fat—it's a normal part of its structure. But when fat makes up more than 5–10% of the liver's weight, it starts becoming a problem.
There are two main types:
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – Not caused by alcohol, but linked to diet, weight, and lifestyle.
(NAFLD) – Not caused by alcohol, but linked to diet, weight, and lifestyle. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – Caused by heavy drinking.
We'll mostly talk about NAFLD here—because even non-drinkers are showing up with it in growing numbers. It's become a modern lifestyle epidemic.
So how do you know if you have it? Especially when it's so silent in the early stages? Let's break it down in simple, real-life terms.
Fatty liver: Sneaky symptoms that often go unnoticed
Fatty liver doesn't usually show up with big, obvious signs—especially in the early days. But if you listen carefully, your body is talking. Here's how:
1. You're always tired for no reason
Ever feel like you just wake up tired? Even on days you sleep enough? Chronic fatigue is one of the earliest signs.
Your liver is a detox engine, and when it's not working efficiently, toxins build up—and you feel the drag.
2. Your belly feels heavy, bloated, or uncomfortable
Some people describe it as a 'full' feeling on the right side of their belly, especially after eating. Others feel like they're carrying an invisible balloon in their stomach. It's not always painful, but it's definitely not pleasant.
3. Your liver enzymes are high in your blood test—but you feel fine
This is a classic.
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A routine blood test might show elevated ALT or AST levels. If your doctor casually mentions 'your liver enzymes are a bit high,' don't ignore it. That might be fatty liver waving hello.
4. You have insulin resistance or are prediabetic
NAFLD is tightly linked to insulin resistance. If you've been told you're borderline diabetic, have PCOS, or carry a lot of weight around your midsection, your liver might already be absorbing the consequences.
5. You're gaining weight without changing much
Especially if the weight is piling up around your belly and waistline. The liver is closely tied to fat metabolism, and when it's out of sync, your weight becomes harder to manage—even if you're eating reasonably well.
The weird-but-true signs that sometimes show up
These aren't textbook symptoms, but many people with fatty liver report them:
Brain fog or poor memory
Skin issues like acne or dark patches (especially on neck or underarms)
Bad breath that won't go away
Mild depression or anxiety that feels unexplainable
Again, none of these scream 'your liver's in trouble!'—but when you connect the dots, it's worth getting checked.
What causes it (even if you don't drink)?
Here's the kicker: you don't have to drink a drop of alcohol to develop fatty liver. In fact, some of the most common culprits are things we encounter every day—often without even realizing the damage they're doing. One major trigger is a diet high in sugar and refined carbs. Think white bread, pasta, packaged snacks, sugary cereals, and those sweetened drinks that sneak into your daily routine. Your liver turns excess sugar into fat, and over time, that fat starts to build up where it shouldn't.
Then there's the sedentary lifestyle factor. Even if you're hustling mentally at your desk job, your liver suffers when your body doesn't move much. Long hours of sitting without any physical activity can slow down your metabolism and lead to fat accumulation—not just in your belly, but in your liver too. Being overweight or obese also plays a key role, especially if you carry that extra weight around your midsection.
A high BMI and expanding waistline are red flags that your liver might be under stress.
How to start healing your liver
Cut back on added sugar and processed foods. Your liver hates sugary cereals, soft drinks, and baked goods. Start there.
Move your body every day. You don't need a gym. Brisk walks, yoga, or dancing in your living room helps.
Lose 5–10% of your body weight. Research shows that even 5% weight loss can reduce liver fat significantly.
Eat more real, whole foods.
Leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, lentils, berries, garlic, and omega-3 fats are liver-friendly.
Get enough sleep. Nightly rest resets your metabolism and liver function.
You don't need to panic. But you do need to pay attention. If your body is whispering—through fatigue, bloating, or weird lab results—don't wait for it to shout. Fatty liver might be common, but it's not harmless. The good news? You have more control than you think.
So go on. Show your liver some love. It's been quietly working for you all along.