Fatty liver disease: Muscle weakness is a key sign of fatty build-up in the liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is caused by build-up of fat over a long period of time. This is not caused by excessive alcohol consumption, which is termed as Alcohol-related liver disease.

Usually, people with this disease experience no symptoms. However, if the condition reaches more advanced stages, it can lead to a range of warning symptoms. One such sign is myasthenia, also known as muscle weakness.

Myasthenia gravis refers to weakness and rapid fatigue of any muscles under your voluntary control. It happens due to a breakdown in the normal communication between the nerves and the muscles. Muscle weakness caused by myasthenia gravis usually worsens as the affected muscle is used. With rest, weakness can get better. However, in general, the symptoms worsen over time.

Along with muscle weakness, advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can also lead to a range of other symptoms. These include:

-Extreme tiredness

-Dull or aching pain in the top right of stomach

-Unexplained weight loss

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Here are some of the risk factors associated with the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease:

-Obesity or being overweight

-Type 2 diabetes

-Underactive thyroid

-High cholesterol

-High blood pressure

-Smoking

-Age 50 or above

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease can worsen with time, causing long term damage to the liver from scarring, known as cirrhosis. Symptoms of cirrhosis of the liver include yellowing of the skin, yellowing of the whites of the eyes, itchy skin and swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, or stomach.

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Currently, there is no specific medication for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, making healthy lifestyle choices can help. This includes losing extra weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, replacing sugary drinks with water, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol consumption.

Treatment may be recommended for associated conditions, such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. You may be advised to have regular appointments with your doctor to check your liver function. In case of cirrhosis, a liver transplant may be required.

The NHS UK explains: “If you develop severe cirrhosis and your liver stops working properly, you may need to be put on the waiting list for a liver transplant. Or it may be possible to have a transplant using a section of liver removed from a living donor.”