I feel lucky that it has been caught early

Lynsey Harte was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease three months ago.

The 29-year-old admitted her poor diet is to blame.

She is sharing her story because she wants people to know how being overweight can be so detrimental.

“I have friends who are overweight,” she said. “I want them and other people to know what can happen. You just don’t think you’re suffocating your liver by eating cake.”

Lynsey, from Glasgow, only found out about her condition after having a blood test to check for diabetes.

“I don’t have diabetes but the doctor told me there were enzymes in my liver,” said the office worker.

She was referred for a scan and then received confirmation she had NAFLD.

Lynsey, who was more than 20st at diagnosis, said part of her was relieved she hadn’t damaged her liver through alcohol.

She said: “I had no symptoms. I do drink and, like any young person, I’ve enjoyed plenty of nights out.

“I feel lucky that it has been caught early. I can do something about it.”

Lynsey has already shed 22lbs after transforming her lifestyle.

But she said she feels let down at the lack of information available.

She said: “I know NHS staff are busy but I think more information needs to be available and more help for patients.

“When I did an online search, it terrified me.”