Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jul 18: Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, is becoming an increasingly common health concern among women, driven by changes in lifestyle, diet, and hormonal balance. Though it often develops silently, this condition can lead to serious complications like liver inflammation, scarring, and even liver failure if ignored.

Women, particularly those postmenopausal or dealing with conditions like PCOS or insulin resistance, are more vulnerable. Recognising early signs and understanding the root causes is key to reversing it before irreversible damage occurs.

Here are 10 common causes and signs of fatty liver in women:

1. Abdominal discomfort or fullness
A dull ache or heaviness in the upper right abdomen may be a sign your liver is under stress. Many mistake it for indigestion or bloating.

2. Unexplained fatigue
Chronic tiredness, even with enough rest, may indicate impaired energy metabolism due to fatty liver.

3. Obesity or excess belly fat
Being overweight, especially around the abdomen, significantly increases fat deposits in the liver.

4. Insulin resistance or diabetes
Conditions like type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes cause fat to accumulate in liver cells, raising the risk of liver damage.

5. High cholesterol or triglycerides
Uncontrolled lipid levels can worsen liver health, and many women may have these issues without obvious symptoms.

6. Hormonal changes (Menopause, PCOS)
Shifts in hormones can lead to increased insulin resistance and fat retention, contributing to fatty liver.

7. Crash diets or rapid weight loss
Extreme dieting may backfire by straining the liver and accelerating fat accumulation.

8. Alcohol consumption
Even moderate alcohol intake can compound liver stress, especially when combined with other risk factors.

9. Dark skin patches (Acanthosis Nigricans)
These patches, especially in the neck or underarms, are often linked to insulin resistance—a major contributor to fatty liver.

10. Elevated liver enzymes on blood tests
Often, fatty liver is silently flagged during routine checkups when enzymes like ALT and AST are abnormally high.

Prevention and care

A healthy lifestyle can go a long way in reversing fatty liver. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding alcohol, and monitoring blood sugar and hormone levels—especially during and after menopause—are key.
Early detection and action are crucial. Women are advised to consult their healthcare provider if they notice any of these signs or have underlying risk factors.