Fatty liver disease is often referred to as a “silent” condition because many people do not show symptoms in its early stages. However, some may experience persistent fatigue, discomfort or heaviness in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, or mild abdominal bloating. In more advanced stages, signs such as jaundice, abdominal swelling (ascites), leg edema, or confusion due to hepatic encephalopathy may appear. Diagnosis typically begins with liver function tests and imaging tools like ultrasound or FibroScan, which can measure liver stiffness. MRI or CT scans may provide further insight, and in some cases, a liver biopsy is needed to confirm inflammation or scarring. Early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes and prevent liver damage from progressing.
