5 Signs You Might Have Fatty Liver Disease — and Don’t Even Know It

5 Signs You Might Have Fatty Liver Disease — and Don’t Even Know ItDid you know that millions of Americans are living with fatty liver disease without even realizing it? Often referred to as a “silent” condition, fatty liver disease, or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), can develop gradually and quietly over time. Since it typically does not cause pain or noticeable symptoms in its early stages, many people only discover they have it during routine checkups or medical imaging for unrelated issues.

The good news is that detecting the problems early can impact your health. Recognizing the warning signs and understanding what increases your risk allows you to take steps to keep your liver and body healthy. Now, let’s look at five signs that you might have fatty liver disease without realizing it. Additionally, we’ll explore how you can get a free liver checkup through the Quality Research NASH Study.

1. You’re Over 40 and Have Diabetes or Prediabetes

Signs you may have fatty liver disease: 1) You’re Over 40 and Have Diabetes or PrediabetesOne of the strongest risk factors for fatty liver disease is insulin resistance, which often occurs in individuals with diabetes or prediabetes. When your body has difficulty regulating blood sugar effectively, excess glucose is stored as fat—not just around your waistline, but also inside your liver.

People over 40 with diabetes or prediabetes have a significantly higher risk of developing NASH. NASH is a type of fatty liver disease that leads to inflammation and scarring.

If you belong to this group, a simple liver exam could provide valuable insight into your liver health. Quality Research offers free screenings to determine if you qualify for a NASH clinical trial.

2. You Have High Cholesterol or High Blood Pressure

Signs you may have fatty liver disease: 2) You Have High Cholesterol or High Blood PressureMetabolic health significantly impacts liver function. Conditions such as high cholesterol, high triglycerides, and hypertension increase the risk of fat buildup in the liver. Over time, these issues can put stress on your blood vessels and organs, including the liver.

Even if you are taking medication for blood pressure or cholesterol, the risk remains. Therefore, regular monitoring and early detection are essential for preventing long-term liver damage.

If this situation resonates with you, consider discussing a liver panel or imaging test with your doctor to check for early signs of fatty liver disease. Additionally, you can learn about no-cost research studies that offer free liver exams here.

3. You’re Overweight—Especially Around the Midsection

Having extra weight, especially belly fat, makes it more likely that fat will build up in your liver. Research shows that as many as 70% of people who are obese have some fatty liver issues, even if they don’t drink alcohol. You don’t have to be very overweight to be in danger.

It’s important to note that you don’t have to be “severely overweight” to be at risk. Even modest weight gain or excess belly fat can affect liver function. The liver is very important for breaking down food, so when it becomes overloaded with fat, your body’s ability to process sugars and fats is impaired.

4. You Often Feel Fatigued or Have Low Energy

5 Signs You Might Have Fatty Liver Disease — and Don’t Even Know It: 4) You Often Feel Fatigued or Have Low EnergyThe liver is crucial for processing food and filtering out harmful substances. When it becomes overworked, it can affect your energy levels. Individuals with early-stage fatty liver disease often experience chronic fatigue, brain fog, and a general sense of sluggishness, even if they are getting enough sleep.

These symptoms can have many causes, but persistent fatigue could be a sign to check your liver, especially if you also have high cholesterol, diabetes, or have gained weight. The Mayo Clinic states that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can worsen silently until it becomes serious, such as fibrosis or cirrhosis, where the damage becomes more difficult to repair.

5. You’ve Been Told You Have “Elevated Liver Enzymes”

If a recent blood test indicates elevated liver enzymes, this could be an early sign of fatty liver disease. Enzyme levels increase when liver cells are stressed or inflamed, often even before you notice any symptoms.

Unfortunately, this warning sign is frequently overlooked or not thoroughly investigated. If your doctor has mentioned elevated ALT or AST levels, don’t ignore this information. Be sure to ask about getting a liver ultrasound or a FibroScan to assess for fat accumulation or fibrosis.

Take the Next Step — Get a Free Liver Exam

Get a Free Liver Scan in San Antonio Through Quality ResearchThe only way to definitively determine if you have fatty liver disease is through a professional examination. At Quality Research, you can receive a free liver health evaluation and learn if you qualify for a clinical trial focused on NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis).

Participation in this study may include:

  • No-cost liver exams and lab testing
  • Access to investigational treatments that are not yet available to the public
  • Compensation for your time and travel (up to $3,900)
  • No insurance or proof of citizenship required

If you’re over 40 and have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, you may be at risk for fatty liver disease without even knowing it. Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—take control of your health today by scheduling your free liver exam.

👉 Click here to learn more and see if you qualify.