Doctor explains 4 hidden symptoms that could mean your liver is struggling

A doctor on TikTok has revealed four signs that your liver could be struggling in a viral video.

User “Dr. Chris”, posting as @drchrispharmd, explained in the caption of the popular clip, which has scored 787,000 views within a week online, that, “Your body may be trying to tell you something.”

He added in the video that, “If you have three or more of these signs, there’s a chance your liver needs attention now.”

Here are the signs.

Difficulty Losing Weight

Liver health plays a major role in managing weight.

The liver is responsible for metabolizing fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Issues like fatty liver disease or impaired liver function can disrupt these processes, and a sluggish liver may lead to the accumulation of toxins and fat, making weight loss more challenging.

“When [your liver is] sluggish, those stubborn pounds won’t budge,” @chrispharmd said.

Waking Up Exhausted

The liver plays a central role in detoxification and metabolic processes that affect overall energy levels.

When the liver is overworked by poor diet, too much alcohol or underlying conditions, it may struggle to effectively clear toxins from the body.

This inefficiency can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance and lead to fatigue, especially in the mornings.

“Your liver converts sugar into energy overnight,” @chrispharmd said, adding, “When it’s overworked, you feel groggy even after full sleep.”

Feeling Bad After Fatty Meals

Unhealthy eating can harm your liver, and it can also make fat digestion difficult, which leads to bloating, nausea or discomfort after fatty meals.

“That’s your liver struggling to produce bile, the key to breaking down fats and absorbing nutrients,” @chrispharmd said.

Dark Circles Under the Eyes

According to @chrispharmd, the dark circles under your eyes might not be from lack of sleep—they could also be, “Your liver screaming for help.”

While dark circles are often caused by factors like lack of sleep, genetics or allergies, they can be connected to liver issues as well.

A sluggish or overburdened liver may fail to effectively detoxify the body, which leads to the accumulation of toxins.

Liver dysfunction can also impact how the body absorbs and stores key nutrients like vitamins and minerals like iron, both of which can make dark circles more prominent.

Users React

Many TikTok commentators appreciated the advice, while some others had questions.

“Dark circles is a little tough to determine if you genetically have them,” one user remarked.

“That’s definitely true,” @chrispharmd answered, “A good callout that everyone is built a little different, but you can tell [by] the others.”

A fellow user asked, “Does milk thistle actually help?”

The TikTok creator replied: “It’s not magic or a silver bullet, but I’m a huge fan of it for overall liver health.”

User @to.your.health, meanwhile, may want to contact their own doctor: “I have all of them.”