• Constant Tiredness and Low Energy: Feeling tired all the time is one of the earliest signs of fatty liver disease. Many people think it is due to stress, workload, or lack of sleep. But when the liver is filled with fat, it cannot function well. This reduces your body’s ability to remove toxins and produce energy. If you feel tired even after resting well, it is important to get a medical check-up. Early consultation with a specialist like Dr. Arun S. Nair, a highly skilled Laparoscopic Surgeon in Thrissur, can help detect fatty liver before it progresses.

• Unexplained Weight Gain Around the Belly: Do you notice your belly becoming bigger even though your eating habits have not changed? This may be an indication of fat buildup in the liver. Fatty liver often affects the body’s ability to regulate fat, leading to abdominal weight gain. Most people assume it is just normal fat, but it could actually be a warning sign. Simple blood tests and ultrasound can help confirm the condition.

• Poor Appetite and Mild Nausea: A fatty liver interferes with digestion. Many people experience reduced appetite, early fullness, or mild nausea after meals. These symptoms are often ignored because they seem minor. But they may indicate that the liver is struggling to process food properly. If such symptoms continue for weeks, it is wise to meet a liver specialist like Dr. Arun S. Nair, who is also a top Robotic Surgeon in Thrissur with advanced expertise in liver and GI surgeries.
• Pain or Discomfort in the Upper Right Side of the Abdomen: The liver sits on the right side of the upper abdomen. When it becomes enlarged due to excess fat, you may feel:

1. A dull ache
2. Pressure
3. Fullness
4. Discomfort after meals

This pain may come and go, so people do not take it seriously. But persistent discomfort in this area must never be ignored.

• Dark Patches on the Neck or Underarms: Fatty liver disease is strongly linked with insulin resistance. One of the silent signs of insulin resistance is Acanthosis Nigricans, which shows as:

1. Dark patches
2. Thick skin folds
3. Velvety texture

These changes usually appear on the neck, elbows, knuckles, or underarms. Many people mistake it for dirt or tanning, but it is actually a warning sign that the body is not handling sugar properly.

• Trouble Concentrating or Brain Fog:

When toxins remain in the blood due to poor liver function, the brain gets affected. This leads to:

1. Difficulty focusing
2. Forgetfulness
3. Lack of clarity
4. Slow thinking

This condition is called “brain fog”. It may be mild in the early stages but worsens over time.

• Swelling in Legs and Feet: Fatty liver can slowly progress to liver inflammation or early cirrhosis. When this happens, fluid begins to collect in the legs and feet. This swelling is called edema. It usually gets worse by evening and improves after resting. If you notice frequent swelling, it is important to meet a liver specialist soon.

• Unexpected Mood Changes: Many patients with fatty liver report mood swings, irritability, or feeling low without any clear reason. Hormonal changes caused by liver dysfunction can affect emotions. Stress and poor sleep due to the condition may also make mood changes worse.

• Increased Thirst and Frequent Urination: Fatty liver often develops along with prediabetes or diabetes. These conditions cause:

1. Excessive thirst
2. Dry mouth
3. Feeling hungry often
4. Frequent urination

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications.