Health experts in the United Arab Emirates have warned that liver disease can progress silently for years, with many people remaining unaware of the condition until the liver has already suffered severe damage.
According to specialists, the liver has no pain-sensitive nerve fibers and can continue functioning normally even after 70–80% of the organ has been damaged, making early detection particularly difficult.
Fatty Liver Often Shows No Symptoms
Doctors say Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)—formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—can develop silently over 10 to 30 years.
If left untreated, it may progress to:
- Liver inflammation
- Fibrosis (scarring)
- Cirrhosis
- Liver failure
- Liver transplantation
Fatty Liver Cases Are Rising
Experts estimate that 30–40% of adults in the UAE are affected by fatty liver disease.
The condition is increasingly linked to metabolic disorders such as:
- Obesity
- Type 2 diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Metabolic syndrome
Doctors warn that the growing prevalence of obesity and diabetes is expected to drive a further increase in advanced liver disease worldwide.
Young Adults Are Also at Risk
Liver disease is no longer limited to older adults.
Medical experts say young people are increasingly being diagnosed with fatty liver due to:
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyles
- Poor diet
- Type 2 diabetes
- Metabolic disorders
Even people with a healthy body weight may develop fatty liver if they have a family history of liver disease, consume unhealthy diets, or engage in little physical activity.
Gym-Goers Should Be Careful Too
Experts also warned that excessive consumption of:
- Sugary foods and drinks
- Unregulated bodybuilding supplements
- Herbal products
- Unnecessary medications
may place additional stress on the liver.
Lack of sleep, chronic stress, and prolonged sitting can also negatively affect liver health.
Early Symptoms Are Easy to Miss
Doctors say early liver disease may only cause mild symptoms such as:
- Persistent fatigue
- Weakness
- Low energy
- Mild discomfort in the upper abdomen
These symptoms are often ignored because they appear non-specific.
Warning Signs That Need Immediate Medical Attention
Experts advise seeking medical care immediately if you experience:
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Dark-colored urine
- Pale stools
- Swelling of the abdomen or legs
- Persistent nausea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting blood or blood in stools
- Easy bruising
- Confusion or changes in mental status
Early Screening Can Save Lives
Doctors stress that most liver diseases can be slowed—or even partially reversed—if detected early.
Maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar and cholesterol, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly are key to protecting liver health.
People at higher risk are advised to undergo annual liver function tests, blood sugar testing, cholesterol screening, and imaging such as ultrasound or FibroScan to detect liver damage before symptoms appear.
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