7. Muscle Weakness: The Unseen Struggle
Muscle weakness in NASH might not be as striking as jaundice or as palpable as an enlarged abdomen, but it’s equally debilitating. Patients may experience a pervasive loss of strength, finding that muscles once reliable now falter under the weight of everyday tasks.
The legs might feel like they are wading through molasses, and arms may tremble under the strain of lifting objects that were once managed with ease. The muscle weakness associated with NASH is not simply a sign of aging or a bad night’s sleep; it is the result of the body’s compromised ability to metabolize and provide essential nutrients to muscle tissue.
In NASH, the liver’s impaired functionality can affect the metabolism of proteins and the storage of various nutrients necessary for muscle health. This can lead to a condition known as sarcopenia, which is the degenerative loss of muscle mass and strength.
What’s particularly concerning about muscle weakness in NASH is its ability to exacerbate other symptoms. Weak muscles can lead to reduced physical activity, which can, in turn, contribute to the progression of liver disease. It’s a downward spiral that underscores the importance of addressing muscle health in the management of NASH. (7)
