In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleWhat Is NAFLD?5 Sneaky Signs You Might Have NAFLDBest Ways to Reduce Your RiskFAQs
In This ArticleView All
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In This Article
What Is NAFLD?
5 Sneaky Signs You Might Have NAFLD
Best Ways to Reduce Your Risk
FAQs
Close
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a silent condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 24% of American adults have NAFLD.The condition frequently goes unnoticed until a person’s blood work reveals elevated liver enzymes or more severe complications arise, such as scarring or inflammation of the liver.,
Recognizing the subtle signs that indicate you might have NAFLD is essential, as early detection can significantly impact treatment and management.
What is NAFLD, and how is NAFLD diagnosed? Read on to learn five sneaky signs that suggest you might have NAFLD, plus practical tips for reducing your risk.
Fatty liver diseaseis often associated with heavy drinking or alcoholism. However, alcohol isn’t the only cause of liver disease. When too much fat builds up in the liver, it can cause inflammation and potential liver damage. Over time, this can lead to another type of liver disease called NAFLD.While the cause isn’t 100% clear, it is often linked to being overweight, obesity,type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, high cholesterol and high triglycerides.
“The main cause of NAFLD is an imbalance between the amount of fat the liver produces or absorbs and its ability to break it down or export it,” explainsTrista Best, M.P.H., RD, a registered dietitian with Balance One Supplements. “When the liver is exposed to excess fatty acids—often due to a high-calorie diet rich in sugars and unhealthy fats—it stores these fats, leading to fat accumulation within liver cells. Over time, this can lead to liver inflammation, scarring, and even more severe liver damage.”
NAFLD is often diagnosed through medical history, blood tests, physical exams and imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI. These methods can help reveal fatty deposits in the liver and rule out other causes of liver damage.
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1. You might feel excessively tired
“Feeling unusually tired or sluggish is common with NAFLD,” says Best. “This happens because the liver is not functioning optimally, affecting your overall energy levels.” When the liver is overwhelmed with excess fat, it struggles to perform its vital functions, which can result in exhaustion.
2. You may experience pain or discomfort in your upper right abdomen
Pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your abdomen could signal NAFLD. This is where the liver is located, and if it becomes inflamed or swollen due to fat buildup, you might feel a dull, aching sensation.
3. You might experience unintentional weight gain
Weight gain can be a contributor to NAFLD, especially if you havemetabolic syndrome. That’s because insulin resistance may increase fat storage in the liver, injuring its cells and their ability to function properly.“Some people with NAFLD might notice weight gain, especially around the abdomen, even without significant changes in diet or exercise,” says Best.
4. Your pee may be dark
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5. Your skin or eyes may have a yellow tinge
When the liver is unable to process bilirubin, it can also lead to jaundice.“Although less common in NAFLD early stages, jaundice can occur if liver damage progresses, leading to a yellowish tint in the skin or eyes,” explains Best.
These healthy lifestyle habits can lower your NAFLD risk and support liver health.
Maintain a healthy weight
Research suggests that losing 7 to 10% of your body weight can reduce liver fat and fibrosis, a type of scarring that damages the liver.Aim for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats while limiting added sugars, refined carbohydrates and saturated fats.
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Limit alcohol intake
Exercise regularly
Physical activity helps lower liver fat, improves insulin sensitivity, and supports weight management. Per the Physical Guidelines for Americans, aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week (or 75 minutes if you exercise vigorously).
Manage blood sugar
Maintaining stable blood sugar mayhelp prevent liver damageand boost metabolic health. Conversely, having diabetes can increase your liver disease risk. That’s why controlling your blood sugar levels through a healthy diet, regular exercise and appropriate medication is crucial for reducing your NAFLD risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fatty liver (or NAFL) refers to fat in liver cells, which can be benign if it doesn’t cause inflammation. NAFLD involves a spectrum of liver conditions, ranging from fatty liver to more severe conditions like inflammation and liver damage unrelated to alcohol consumption.
NAFLD progresses through four stages: fatty liver (NAFL), where fat builds up in the liver without inflammation; NASH, which involves fat and inflammation that can harm liver cells; fibrosis, where scarring develops; and cirrhosis, the final stage with extensive scarring that can impair liver function and lead to liver failure.
The Bottom Line
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common but often overlooked condition affecting 1 in 4 Americans. It results from fat buildup in the liver, which can lead to inflammation, scarring and cirrhosis if left untreated. Recognizing early warning signs such as excessive fatigue, upper abdominal pain, weight gain, dark urine and jaundice is crucial for managing the condition. To reduce your NAFLD risk, focus on maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise, limit alcohol consumption and keep blood sugar levels in check.
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SourcesEatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH.Hassen G, Singh A, Belete G, et al.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An emerging modern-day risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Cureus. 2022;14(5):e25495. doi:10.7759/cureus.25495National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of NAFLD & NASH.Kudaravalli P, John S.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.Francque SM, Marchesini G, Kautz A, et al.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A patient guideline.JHEP Rep. 2021;3(5):100322. doi:10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100322National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. 2019.Joseph A, Samant H.Jaundice. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.Brunner KT, Henneberg CJ, Wilechansky RM, Long MT.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity treatment.Curr Obes Rep. 2019;8(3):220-228. doi:10.1007/s13679-019-00345-1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition.
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH.Hassen G, Singh A, Belete G, et al.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An emerging modern-day risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Cureus. 2022;14(5):e25495. doi:10.7759/cureus.25495National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of NAFLD & NASH.Kudaravalli P, John S.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.Francque SM, Marchesini G, Kautz A, et al.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A patient guideline.JHEP Rep. 2021;3(5):100322. doi:10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100322National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. 2019.Joseph A, Samant H.Jaundice. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.Brunner KT, Henneberg CJ, Wilechansky RM, Long MT.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity treatment.Curr Obes Rep. 2019;8(3):220-228. doi:10.1007/s13679-019-00345-1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition.
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH.Hassen G, Singh A, Belete G, et al.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An emerging modern-day risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Cureus. 2022;14(5):e25495. doi:10.7759/cureus.25495National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of NAFLD & NASH.Kudaravalli P, John S.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.Francque SM, Marchesini G, Kautz A, et al.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A patient guideline.JHEP Rep. 2021;3(5):100322. doi:10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100322National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. 2019.Joseph A, Samant H.Jaundice. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.Brunner KT, Henneberg CJ, Wilechansky RM, Long MT.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity treatment.Curr Obes Rep. 2019;8(3):220-228. doi:10.1007/s13679-019-00345-1U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH.
Hassen G, Singh A, Belete G, et al.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: An emerging modern-day risk factor for cardiovascular disease.Cureus. 2022;14(5):e25495. doi:10.7759/cureus.25495
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Diagnosis of NAFLD & NASH.
Kudaravalli P, John S.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
Francque SM, Marchesini G, Kautz A, et al.Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A patient guideline.JHEP Rep. 2021;3(5):100322. doi:10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100322
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver. In: LiverTox: Clinical and Research Information on Drug-Induced Liver Injury. 2019.
Joseph A, Samant H.Jaundice. In:StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.
Brunner KT, Henneberg CJ, Wilechansky RM, Long MT.Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and obesity treatment.Curr Obes Rep. 2019;8(3):220-228. doi:10.1007/s13679-019-00345-1
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition.
