Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition in which fat builds up in the liver. In some cases, NAFLD can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can cause liver inflammation and irreversible damage.

The condition is typically asymptomatic in its early stages, which is why it’s important to be aware of the following red flags of a fatty liver.

1. Abdominal discomfort

One of the earliest signs of NAFLD is discomfort or pain in the upper-right abdomen, where the liver is located. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by a dull or full feeling in the same area.

2. Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many health problems, including a fatty liver. When the liver is not functioning properly, it can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body, which can cause fatigue and weakness.

3. Jaundice

JAundice is a yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. It occurs when there is a build-up of bilirubin, a pigment produced when red blood cells break down, in the blood.

In advanced stages of NAFLD, the liver can become damaged to the point where it cannot process bilirubin properly, leading to jaundice.

4. Poor appetite and weight loss

As a fatty liver progresses, it can affect the body’s ability to metabolize nutrients properly, leading to poor appetite and unintended weight loss. This can also be a sign of more advanced liver disease.

5. Swelling in the legs and ankles

As the liver struggles to remove toxins from the body, fluid can build up in the legs and ankles, causing swelling and discomfort. This swelling can also be a sign of more advanced liver disease.

6. Skin rashes and itching

When the liver is not functioning properly, it can lead to a build-up of toxins in the blood which can cause skin irritation and rashes. Itching is also a common symptom of liver disease and can be particularly intense in the hands and feet.

7. Spider veins and bruising

A fatty liver can also affect the body’s blood clotting ability. This can lead to spider veins, which are tiny veins that appear on the skin’s surface, and easy bruising.

8. High blood pressure

A fatty liver can contribute to high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

9. Elevated liver enzymes

Liver enzymes are proteins produced by the liver that are essential for the digestion of food. When the liver is damaged, these enzymes can leak into the bloodstream, leading to higher than normal levels in blood tests.

10. Type 2 diabetes

There is a strong link between NAFLD and type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance, which is a characteristic of type 2 diabetes, can also contribute to the development of NAFLD.

In some cases, a fatty liver can also make it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels, leading to more severe diabetes.