Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
What is NAFLD?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver. Unlike alcoholic liver disease, NAFLD occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol.
Types of NAFLD
There are two main types of NAFLD:
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL): In this stage, fat builds up in the liver, but there’s little to no inflammation or liver damage.
- Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): This is a more serious form where the liver becomes inflamed and damaged.
Causes of NAFLD
The exact cause of NAFLD is not fully understood, but it’s often linked to factors such as:
- Obesity: Excess weight is a major risk factor.
- Type 2 diabetes: High blood sugar levels can contribute to fat buildup in the liver.
- High cholesterol: Elevated cholesterol levels can also increase the risk.
- Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
- Insulin resistance: The body’s inability to use insulin effectively.
Symptoms of NAFLD
In many cases, NAFLD causes no symptoms. However, in some individuals, it may lead to:
- Fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Complications of NAFLD
If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to more serious liver conditions, including:
- Liver cirrhosis: Scarring of the liver
- Liver failure
- Liver cancer