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Fatty Liver (Hepatic Steatosis): Most Common Signs and Symptoms

Fatty liver, otherwise known as Hepatic Steatosis occurs when the body is unable to break down fat [1] adequately, and the excesses accumulate. High blood sugar and excess fats in the body causes health conditions like obesity and diabetes, which may lead to fatty liver disease. By itself, this condition poses no threat to life; however, a fatty liver can get inflamed from alcohol abuse. When inflammation occurs, otherwise called steatohepatitis, the liver hardens over time and may lead to organ failure, which is life-threatening if left untreated.

Fatty liver may also progress to Cirrhosis – a condition when hepatic damage causes organ function to slow down before shutting down completely. Hepatic Steatosis does not have any signs or symptoms until it progresses to Cirrhosis.
Here are some of the signs [2] and symptoms [3] to look out for:

Weakness or Fatigue

Weakness is the most common symptom of liver diseases. Studies have shown that patients suffering from liver diseases experience high and low levels of fatigue, and some of them claimed that it hindered daily activities. This symptom may be due to a change in neurotransmissions [4] in the brain causing central fatigue. Central fatigue occurs when there’s a change in the central nervous system, causing depression, anxiety, and weakness. It also causes memory loss and reduced attention spans.