“Researchers call it the hidden epidemic 1 – and I’d add it’s a hidden weight gain epidemic,” says gastroenterologist Dr. Kayla Beaton.
“It’s estimated that up to 40% of Americans may struggle with this issue. 2
Most don’t even know they have it. It can go years undetected, 3” she adds.
“This problem often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms are easy to miss.
But there’s one unmistakable sign: persistent fat that feels impossible to shed. 4
No matter how many hours you spend at the gym or how strictly you count calories.
In my 15 years of practice, I’ve seen countless patients battle weight gain, unaware of the hidden condition holding them back,” says Beaton.
“It pushed me to find a solution that truly works – and I did.
But first, let’s see if you might be one of the many affected by this issue.”
Beaton has identified several subtle warning signs that often go unnoticed.
“These symptoms may not seem linked at first,” she explains, “but together, they tell a clear story that something isn’t right in your body.
Let me tell you what they are.”
Sign 1: Unexplained Weight Changes
“One of the earliest signs is unexpected weight fluctuation – you might experience sudden weight loss at first, followed by a lot of weight gain that is very difficult to lose.” 5
Sign 2: Persistent Fatigue
“Many of my patients initially blamed their exhaustion on busy schedules or stress,” Beaton notes.
“But when this fatigue persists despite adequate rest, it can indicate an underlying issue that needs attention.” 6
Sign 3: Mystery Bloating
“If you’re experiencing frequent bloating, your body might be sending you an urgent message,” explains Beaton. 7
“This isn’t just ordinary stomach discomfort – it’s a sign that your body isn’t processing food as it should.”
“These symptoms, when occurring together, could indicate a common yet often overlooked condition affecting millions of Americans: fatty liver disease. 8
It’s in the name really – excess fat that accumulates in the liver.
A little fat in your liver is normal, and at first, you might not notice any issues.
But over time, your body struggles to keep up, and if left unchecked, it can lead to serious problems – permanent liver damage, cirrhosis, or even cancer. 9
Here’s the tricky part – this condition makes it really hard to lose weight, but losing weight is exactly what helps fix the liver,” says Dr. Beaton. 10
“When patients first come to see me about their weight struggles, they’ve usually tried everything without success.
And there’s a good reason for that.
What most people don’t know is that with liver problems, simply cutting calories isn’t enough.
Research has shown something surprising: certain foods can cause fat to build up in your liver even if you’re not eating too many calories overall. 11
And those trendy restrictive diets? They can actually make the condition worse. 12
That’s why I knew we needed a different approach – and through years of my medical practice, I found one.
This isn’t about following strange rituals or falling for internet trends like the ‘cinnamon trick.’
It’s a science-backed way to improve your liver health and lose weight.
“A dysfunctional liver is an inflamed liver.
Foods like certain fats and sugars cause liver inflammation preventing it from functioning properly,” explains Dr. Beaton. 13
“The good news is that our liver has an amazing ability to heal itself – a lot of this damage is reversible. 14
One study has shown particularly good results with a low-carb diet. After only two weeks, this diet improved fat processing within the liver and reduced inflammation. 15
So, the key is identifying and eliminating foods that irritate and inflame your liver, essentially allowing it to “detox” naturally from harmful ingredients.
While I could provide a long list of foods that either worsen or reduce liver inflammation, it’s not that simple.
Everyone’s body responds differently.
You need a personalized approach that takes into account your food preferences, existing health conditions, and daily routines.
Some try experimenting with elimination diets or spend thousands of dollars on nutritionists.
I suggest taking a simpler path – a nutrition program designed to detox your liver through a healthy and balanced diet. And it doesn’t cost a fortune.
I’ve personally seen it work multiple times.
That’s why this is the number one thing I recommend to my patients.
It’s the most effective approach I’ve found for addressing liver inflammation, restoring balance, and making weight loss possible.
“One of the best things about this program is how effortless it is to get started.
First, you’ll need to fill out a short quiz designed to analyze your health profile.
Next, you’ll get an easy-to-follow plan that’s attuned to your body’s unique needs and preferences.
It will recommend meals that already exclude inflammatory ingredients like harmful carbs and fats while calculating your macronutrient needs for optimal health.
You won’t have to spend time researching recipes – everything is planned for you, including pre-made shopping lists.
Plus, this program will help you stay hydrated and active which is crucial for weight loss.
It’s like having a personal nutritionist that doesn’t cost you thousands of dollars a month.
Many of my patients have tried this already and the results are astonishing. I see them lose 20, 30, and even 40 lbs and get their health back.
So why not give it a try? The quiz is completely free.
In our modern world, it’s difficult to stay healthy but if you have the right tools, you won’t believe the changes that can happen in your life,” ends Dr. Beaton with a smile.
12 sources
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Had Hepatitis in a very bad way about 60 years ago
I came back here just to write this. I would’ve gone years without knowing I had this problem. I finally found something that works for my body.
SO tired of those weird hacks that do nothing. This seems like a sensible solution