What are the symptoms of MASLD?

MASLD is a common condition where fat builds up in the liver. It is often linked to being overweight and conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

The information on this page is for:

Adults with MASLD or at risk of MASLD.
Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.

MASLD can also affect children and young people. See our information for parents and families.

Most people with MASLD don’t have any symptoms in the early stages. In fact, it’s common for people to have it for years without noticing any signs. Symptoms usually only appear after the liver has already been damaged.

Because of this, you can’t tell if you have MASLD just by how you feel. If you think you might be at risk, or you’re worried about your liver health, it’s important to speak with your doctor. They can arrange the right tests and give you advice.

On this page:

Possible early symptoms

If symptoms do appear early, they may include:

tiredness or fatigue
a general lack of energy
pain or discomfort in the upper right side of your tummy (where your liver is)

Symptoms usually only appear in the later stages of MASLD.

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Symptoms in later stages that need urgent medical attention

Tell a doctor straight away if you develop:

yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice) – this may be harder to see on black or brown skin
bruising easily
dark urine
swelling of the tummy area (ascites)
swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet (oedema)
unexplained weight loss
throwing up (vomiting) blood
dark, black, tarry poo
confusion, memory problems, mood changes or poor judgement (encephalopathy)
itchy skin

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What I’ve learned from my experience is that no-one knows your body better than you. If things don’t seem right, get it checked. Like most people, I put off visiting the doctor but thanks to my family and some wonderful medical staff, I was diagnosed in time to receive life-changing treatment

- Hilary had a liver transplant due to late stage MASLD

Read Hilary's story

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This content was last reviewed: July 2026

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Dr Jeremy Cobbold, Consultant Hepatologist, Oxford University Hospitals, Professor Stuart McPherson, Consultant Hepatologist, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Dr Helen Jarvis, GP, Newcastle University. And all our patient reviewers.

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Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.