Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disese (NAFLD)
NAFLD refers to conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver, most commonly affecting people who are overweight or obese. A healthy liver contains little to no fat, yet about 1 in 3 people in the UK are estimated to have early NAFLD. While early stages usually cause no harm, the condition can progress and lead to serious liver damage such as cirrhosis.
High liver fat is also linked to a greater risk of type 2 diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. Detecting NAFLD early and making lifestyle changes can stop or slow its progression.
NAFLD develops through four stages:
Simple fatty liver (steatosis): Fat accumulates in liver cells but usually causes little damage.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): The liver becomes inflamed.
Fibrosis: Continued inflammation causes scarring of the liver, though it can still function.
Cirrhosis: Severe, permanent scarring that may lead to liver failure or liver cancer.
Risk factors for NAFLD:
1. obesity (especially abdominal fat)
2. type 2 diabetes
3. high blood pressure
4. high cholesterol
5. being over 50
6. smoking
Early NAFLD usually is asymptomatic. In later stages, symptoms may include pain in the upper abdomen, fatigue, weakness, or unexplained weight loss.
Severe cirrhosis may cause jaundice, itchy skin, and swelling in the legs or abdomen.
NAFLD is often detected through abnormal liver function blood tests or ultrasound scans. Additional tests such as FibroScan or liver biopsy may determine the stage.
There is no specific medication for NAFLD. Management focuses primarily on lifestyle changes, including losing weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly (about 150 minutes per week), stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.
Doctors may also treat and optimise related conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity.
This condition requires monitoring and reassessment every 3 years, to check for progression and general heart health.