Just like any other office worker, this 29-year-old woman, followed the same routine, long working hours, morning coffee runs and often ordering out due to exhaustion, “The way she described it, it sounded normal. And that’s what worried me the most.” What her tests revealed shocked even her doctor, with alarming rates of liver enzymes, her ultrasound showed stage 3 fatty liver. The kicker is, she never touched alcohol in her entire life! Dr Obaidur Rahman, ortho & sports surgeon, shared this story on his social media handle, to help spread awareness about nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the growing rates of the disease among young adults. NAFLD is also known as MASLD or fatty liver disease according to British Liver Trust. While many people believe it is a disease on people who drink alcohol are susceptible to, this common misconception leads to many people overlooking the signs and symptoms, until it is too late. What Are The Early Symptoms of Fatty Liver? In the video caption, Dr Obaidur mentioned that the patient had faint yellow eyes, swollen legs that left deep impressions when pressed as well as slow unsure steps. He explained how these symptoms would be more in line with a patient decades older than the 29 year-old. According to UK National Health Services, most people who have it don't experience any symptoms and don't even know they have it. When symptoms do appear, they can include: Feeling very tiredGeneral discomfort or feeling unwellPain in the upper right side of your abdomen, under your ribs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Obaidur Rahman (@drobaid_rahman)]]>Can Bad Lifestyle Habits Cause MASLD? MASLD is when fat builds up in your liver because of extra body weight, high blood sugar, high cholesterol or high blood pressure (John Hopkins Medicine). While doctors don't know the exact cause of MASLD, it is strongly linked to several common health issues.Obesity: Carrying extra weight, especially around the belly, is a major factor. Insulin resistance and Type 2 diabetes: This is when your body doesn't use insulin properly, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Metabolic syndrome: A combination of conditions that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. High cholesterol and high triglycerides: These are types of fats in your blood that, when too high, can contribute to liver fat. Who Is At Risk for MASLD? According to the American Liver Foundation, about 100 million people, which is around 25% in the US have been estimated to have MASLD. It is very common and certain factors make you more likely to get it. “Fuelled by sugar-laden “healthy” drinks, long hours of sitting, processed foods, and constant low-grade inflammation” Dr Obaidur details. Anyone could be at risk, some factors that determine that are: Are overweight, especially with a lot of fat around your stomach.Have a poor diet or don't get much physical activity.Have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.Are over 50 years old.Have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).What is the Treatment and Lifestyle Changes Needed for Fatty Liver? The best way to treat MASLD is by making healthy lifestyle changes. These changes can help reduce liver fat and even repair some damage. They also lower your risk of other related health problems like heart disease and diabetes. Here's what you should do: Eat a healthy, balanced diet.Exercise regularly, aiming for at least 150 minutes a week.Lose weight if you are overweight. Here's what you should avoid: Don't drink too much alcohol. Stick to the recommended limit of no more than 14 units per week.Don't smoke.