Fatty liver disease happens when too much fat builds up in the liver. Over time, this can cause inflammation and permanent damage to the liver. Many people with fatty liver disease do not have symptoms, which is why screening is important.
One common type is Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). It affects a large portion of adults worldwide and can also occur in children. If left untreated, MASLD can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.
Why Screening Matters
Because fatty liver disease often has no early warning signs, many people do not know they have it. A metabolic screening can help identify risks early and prevent serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and liver damage.
Early testing allows people to make lifestyle changes that can slow or stop the disease from progressing.
Fatty liver disease often develops silently. Many people have no symptoms in the early stages, which is why screening is important. When symptoms do appear, they may be mild and easy to overlook.
Many people experience ongoing tiredness or low energy. This happens because the liver plays a key role in metabolism and energy regulation, and fat buildup can interfere with these functions.
Some people feel discomfort or a dull ache on the upper right side of the abdomen, where the liver is located. This may be caused by liver enlargement or inflammation.
Fatty liver disease can affect digestion, leading to bloating, gas, or a feeling that food is not digesting normally.
Feeling full quickly, even after eating a small amount, can occur when liver inflammation affects nearby organs and digestion.
In more advanced cases, liver dysfunction can cause itching or signs of inflammation in the body due to changes in bile flow or toxin processing.
Excess body weight is one of the strongest risk factors for fatty liver disease and is commonly seen in people diagnosed with the condition.
Healthcare providers may detect an enlarged or inflamed liver during a physical exam or imaging tests.
Fatty liver disease is often first suspected when blood tests show elevated liver enzymes or when imaging tests reveal fat or stiffness in the liver.
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