Fatty Liver in Women: Causes, Symptoms, and Stage-by-Stage Progression

When we hear fatty liver, our mind automatically jumps to heavy alcohol consumption, but what if that’s not at all the case? What if you don’t drink and still get diagnosed? Well, you’re not alone; there’s a silent epidemic affecting millions of people with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD).

NAFLD is a condition in which the liver accumulates fat without any link to the use of alcohol. People globally are diagnosed with this disease, including in India, and the culprit is none other than metabolic factors and bad lifestyle choices.

This article will explore the symptoms, stages, and reasons why people get fatty liver even without drinking alcohol. Most importantly, it is essential to be aware of how to manage and treat this condition by making the right choices.

The difference between a healthy liver vs fatty liver can be distinguished quite easily. A healthy liver has a fat content that is either non-existent or below 5% of its weight, whereas the fat content in a fatty liver can exceed 5-10% and can even go higher.

How Many Types of Fatty Liver are There?

There are two major types of Fatty Liver:

• Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): This is a result of binge drinking.

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): It is a disease that is found in individuals who consume minimal or no alcohol.

NAFLD is further divided into:

• Simple fatty liver (steatosis): The fat is accumulated without any inflammation or damage in the liver.

• Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): This is a more serious form that is accompanied by inflammation and liver cell damage that can cause serious complications.

Fatty Liver vs Enlarged Liver

Fatty liver is a complex disease, an umbrella term, whereas an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly) can occur due to many reasons, one of which is also fatty liver. These two terms cannot be used interchangeably, as you can have an enlarged liver because of fatty liver disease, but the reverse is not possible.

NAFLD is a silent killer because it often presents with no evident signs in the early stages. This is why people don’t realise they have the disease until it has advanced. Here are the symptoms of fatty liver to keep an eye out for:

1. Persistent Lethargy, weakness, and tiredness
2. Dull pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
3. Unexplained weight loss and sudden loss of appetite
4. Nausea
5. Abdominal swelling or edema in the legs during the advanced stages of fatty liver

Does Fatty Liver Cause Weight Gain?

Not directly. Although obesity is one of the most common factors that can cause fatty liver, fatty liver alone does not usually lead to weight gain. On the contrary, poor liver functioning can lead to unintended weight loss.

NAFLD progresses in 4 stages, which differ in terms of severity:

• Steatosis (Stage 1): The first stage is usually not particularly dangerous, as it involves only a simple fat buildup. This can be reversed with specific lifestyle changes.

• NASH (Stage 2): During this stage, liver cells are damaged by inflammation, necessitating medical intervention.

• Fibrosis (Stage 3): The liver tissue is scarred because of chronic inflammation.

• Cirrhosis (Stage 4): Liver function is affected severely. This can be an irreversible, life-threatening stage, which can lead to liver failure or cancer.

Like other problems women can never escape, fatty liver also plagues them, regardless of their age, and is very common due to hormonal changes and metabolic factors.

Is Fatty Liver common in women?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Women can develop a fatty liver for various reasons, most commonly due to hormonal and metabolic changes in their bodies.

• PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is associated with insulin resistance, which is the leading cause of NAFLD.

• Post-Menopause: Hormonal changes may increase obesity and insulin resistance, leading to the development of a fatty liver.

• Fatty Liver Belly: This is because visceral fat in the female body can lead to the development of a Fatty liver belly, a type of abdominal obesity.

If you’re wondering why you have a fatty liver, despite never drinking alcohol, then you need first to understand that it is all related to metabolism and a cluster of conditions that increase fat deposition in the liver. Some of the risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Insulin Resistance or Type 2 Diabetes
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Rapid weight loss

Reclaiming Your Liver Health: Can Fatty Liver Be Cured?

Fatty liver can definitely be cured in the earlier stages, but that's only possible if you make healthy lifestyle changes and act before liver fibrosis sets in.

Which Foods are Good for Fatty Liver?

1. Lean proteins (fish, chicken, legumes).

2.Fibre-rich foods (whole grains, vegetables).

3.Healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil).

4.Coffee (studies show it can be protective)

Is Onion good for fatty liver?

Yes, onions contain antioxidants and compounds like quercetin that can help reduce inflammation, making them a beneficial part of a liver-friendly diet.

Foods to Avoid: Sugary drinks, refined carbs (maida), processed foods, and saturated fats

Fatty liver is not just an alcohol-related problem. The symptoms, stages, and causes of NAFLD should be understood even when you’re a teetotaler and experience fatigue or any other symptoms related to fatty liver disease.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have risk factors, don't ignore them. Consult a healthcare professional to assess your liver health. Early detection and lifestyle changes are your most powerful tools for managing this.

Q. What are the early warning signs of a fatty liver?

A. There are numerous early signs of a fatty liver, including decreased weight, feeling fatigued, loss of appetite, feeling nauseous, and jaundice.

Other signs include itching, dark urine, etc. Nevertheless, in some people, there are no signs of fatty liver until the liver issues are escalated.

Q. What is a Stage 1 fatty liver?

Also called steatosis, Stage 1 fatty liver is the primary stage of poor liver functioning. At this stage, the liver begins to store fats without any visible signs of inflammation.

Stage 1 fatty liver can be recovered from effortlessly by making some changes to lifestyle, such as focusing on weight. Taking a healthy diet and maximising physical exercise.

Q. How do you feel when you have a fatty liver?

A. Most people don’t have any visible signs of a fatty liver until the problem escalates further. Common symptoms include feeling fatigued and abdominal issues. With time, symptoms can escalate, and people may feel nauseous or get jaundice and in rare cases, even liver failure.

Q. How to remove fat from the liver?

A. For efficiently removing fat from the liver, you must opt for some lifestyle changes as well as medical treatment. Some of the best ways to remove fat from the liver are:

• Limit alcohol intake
• Manage diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure effectively.
• Include omega-3 fatty acid foods in your diet
• Cut down on sugary foods and processed foods.
• Regular physical exercise for maintaining a healthy body weight.

Q. How to check fatty liver at home?

A.

• Keep a tab on your body weight as BMI (Body Mass Index)

• Measure your blood sugar levels and blood pressure regularly.

• Check your energy levels and overall health

• Check regularly for any signs of jaundice, like yellowing eyes and skin

• Talk to your healthcare provider if you come across any symptoms.

Q. Where is liver pain in a woman's body?

A. In a woman’s body, liver pain generally occurs in the upper right part of the abdomen, below the ribcage. Moreover, in women, liver pain can also be felt in the shoulders. It is advised to seek immediate medical help if there is severe or continuous abdominal pain.