Archive · 20 Aug 2026
Liver Disease Risks Extend Beyond Alcohol, Doctor Warns
Liver disease can happen for reasons other than drinking alcohol.
One important cause is MASLD, which is linked to metabolic problems and lifestyle habits.
It can develop quietly without causing pain at first.
People may instead feel very tired, have trouble thinking or notice digestive changes.
Severe itching, unusual skin changes and swelling can also be warning signs.
In serious cases, fluid may build up in the legs or stomach.
The article says healthy food, exercise and regular check-ups can help protect the liver.
Persistent or unexplained symptoms should be checked by a medical professional.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, is becoming a major contributor to liver dysfunction.
Dr Ankur Garg says 15 to 20 percent of liver failures leading to transplantation are linked to MASLD.
Early liver disease often causes subtle symptoms because the liver does not produce pain in its early stages.
Possible warning signs include persistent fatigue, brain fog, digestive changes, severe itching, swelling and reduced urine output.
The article emphasizes healthier eating, physical activity, metabolic health and liver function tests for prevention and early detection.
- Who
- Dr Ankur Garg, a GI surgeon and liver transplant specialist at Paras Health, discusses changing causes and warning signs of liver disease.
- What
- The article explains that liver disease is increasingly associated with MASLD, metabolic conditions, medication use and systemic inflammation, not only alcohol.
- When
- The article does not specify a date for the developments described.
- Where
- The article does not specify a geographic location.
- Why
- Changing food habits, sedentary behavior, rising obesity and other metabolic health problems are contributing to liver disease and can allow it to progress silently.
- Main condition discussed
- Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD.
- Transplant-related estimate
- Dr Garg says MASLD is linked to nearly 15 to 20 percent of liver failures leading to transplantation.
- Related condition
- MetALD describes overlap between metabolic disease and alcohol-related liver damage.
- Early symptoms
- Persistent fatigue, difficulty concentrating, slowed thinking and forgetfulness may occur.
- Digestive signs
- Persistent bloating, nausea or aversion to greasy foods, and light or clay-coloured stools may signal problems.
- Other warning signs
- Severe itching, hyperpigmentation, spider-like blood vessels, swelling and fluid retention are listed as possible signs.
- Suggested prevention
- The article recommends attention to diet, physical activity, metabolic health and age-appropriate check-ups including liver function tests.