Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a general term used to define a group of conditions that affect the liver. These conditions usually affect people who drink no or little alcohol. It leads to fat build-up in the liver.
It is a highly common disease that is usually present in obese people.
In most cases, the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease does not cause any signs or symptoms. For those who experience the effects of NAFLD, common signs and symptoms include:
NAFLD can further develop and cause scarring. The advanced stage of NAFLD is identified by the following symptoms:
There are no known reasons why non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases occur. However, the accumulation of fat in the liver is attributed to the following factors:
NAFLD can occur in any individual but usually affects a group of people who have the following:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease does not cause any problematic symptoms and hence is not diagnosed in the early stages most of the time. This condition can also be detected during your routine checkup.
Tests that are done to identify NAFLD include:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is treated with a combination of medication and lifestyle modifications. Your healthcare provider will guide you to lose weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising routinely. If weight loss is not possible through natural measures, you may be checked for eligibility for weight loss or bariatric surgery.
