Why fatty liver leads to tiredness? - #12408
I am pretty worried. Lately, I've been feeling completely drained and out of energy. A few weeks ago, I got diagnosed with fatty liver, and the doc mentioned something about diet and lifestyle changes, but honestly, I feel like my tiredness is out of control. I'm struggling to keep up with work and even simple tasks at home have become too much. I just don’t get it—why fatty liver leads to tiredness? I mean, I eat healthy most of the time, and I’ve even cut down on snacks and stuff I know are bad for me. Still, the fatigue is there, almost like a heavy blanket that just won’t come off. Plus, I read online that inflammation might play a role? But I’m unsure how that's connected to tiredness and fatty liver. Like, could it be that my liver is struggling to process fats or something? I thought the liver was supposed to help with energy, but if fatty liver is involved, why fatty liver leads to tiredness seems like such a puzzle. I really need to understand this better because it’s messing with my life. Anyone else going through this or can you shed some light on this? Would love to hear what you think!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Fatty liver, medically known as hepatic steatosis, can indeed be a contributing factor to feelings of fatigue and tiredness. It’s pretty common for individuals with a fatty liver to experience these symptoms because the liver plays a crucial role in metabolizing nutrients and filtering toxins, both of which are vital for maintaining energy levels. When your liver accumulates excess fat, its ability to perform these essential functions can become impaired. This can lead to a cascade of metabolic disruptions, ultimately contributing to your fatigue. One of the reasons is inflammation; a fatty liver often accompanies inflammation, further hindering liver function and promoting signals in the body that can cause fatigue. Moreover, insulin resistance is common in individuals with fatty liver disease, impacting the body’s efficiency in energy utilization. This issue can translate into lower energy levels and heightened fatigue. Additionally, since the liver is central to regulating blood glucose levels, any compromise, like with fatty liver, can result in fluctuations that make you feel drained. To manage this, focus on a balanced diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats while also being mindful of reducing sugar and processed food intake which can exacerbate the issue. Regular physical activity can further improve insulin sensitivity and help reduce liver fat. It’s important to monitor your symptoms and discuss them with your doctor, ensuring they are aware of the extent to which fatigue is impacting your life. They may order additional tests to assess underlying factors or recommend a more specialized diet plan. While lifestyle changes are crucial, never hesitate to seek medical advice if the tiredness becomes unmanageable or significantly worsens.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.