Tiredness or weakness
There are two main types:
Why does obesity matter?
Obesity is the #1 risk factor for MASLD. If you're carrying extra fat, your liver may start storing it too.
How fatty liver disease progresses
Adapted from Sebastiani G, et al. 2021.
What are the symptoms?
Many people with MASLD feel totally fine at first. But over time, symptoms may include:
Discomfort in the upper right belly
Nausea or poor appetite
Swelling in hands, feet, or legs
The good news? Fatty liver disease can often be improved or even reversed with healthy lifestyle changes:
MOVE MORE
Aim for 30+ minutes of exercise most days. Even walking helps.
EAT SMART
A Mediterranean-style diet (fruits, veggies, lean protein, healthy fats) supports liver health.
LOSE WEIGHT
Losing just 5–10% of your body weight can reduce fat in your liver and slow or reverse damage.
Talk to your doctor. If you live with obesity, ask your healthcare provider about checking your liver health, even if you feel fine.
References
- WebMD. Obesity and Fatty Liver. 2025. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/fatty-liver-disease/obesity-and-fatty-liver. Retrieved August 1, 2025.
- Sebastiani G, et al. Current considerations for clinical management and care of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Insights from the 1st International Workshop of the Canadian NASH Network (CanNASH). Canadian Liver Journal. 2022;5(1):61-90.
- Quek J, et al. Global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in the overweight and obese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;8(1):20-30.