Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD - Printable Brochure

WHAT IS NAFLD?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the build up of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol. It is normal for the liver to contain some fat. However, if more than 5% - 10% of the liver’s weight is fat, then it is called a fatty liver (steatosis).

Obesity

WHAT IS YOUR LIVER AND WHAT DOES IT DO?

The liver is the second largest organ in your body and is located under your rib cage on the right side. It weighs about three pounds and is shaped like a football that is flat on one side. The liver performs many jobs in your body. It processes what you eat and drink into energy and nutrients your body can use. The liver also removes harmful substances from your blood.

WHO IS LIKELY TO DEVELOP NAFLD?

NAFLD tends to develop in people who are overweight, obese, have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. Rapid weight loss and poor eating habits also may lead to NAFLD. However, some people develop NAFLD even if they do not have any risk factors. NAFLD affects up to 25% of people in the United States.

RISKS

NAFLD may cause the liver to swell (steatohepatitis). A swollen liver may cause scarring (cirrhosis) over time and may even lead to liver cancer or liver failure.

SYMPTOMS

NAFLD often has no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea

Symptoms become more sever when cirrhosis sets in and may include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Spider-like blood vessels
  • Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
  • Itching
  • Fluid build up and swelling of the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites)
  • Mental confusion

HOW IS NAFLD DIAGNOSED?

NAFLD is initially suspected if blood tests show high levels of liver enzymes. However, other liver diseases are first ruled out through additional tests. Often, an ultrasound is used to confirm the NAFLD diagnosis.

  • See a doctor who specializes in the liver regularly
  • Talk to your doctor about ways to improve your liver health
  • Lose weight, if you are overweight or obese
  • Lower your cholesterol and triglycerides
  • Control your diabetes

CAN NAFLD BE PREVENTED?

There are ways to prevent NAFLD:

  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Exercise regularly
  • Limit alcohol intake
  • Only take medicines that you need and follow dosing recommendations.

WHAT IS NASH?

The more severe form of NAFLD is called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NASH causes the liver to swell and become damaged. NASH tends to develop in people who are overweight, obese, have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. However, some people have NASH even if they do not have any risk factors.

Most people with NASH are between the ages of 40 and 60 years. It is more common in men than in women. NASH often has no symptoms and people can have NASH for years before symptoms occur.

NASH is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis in adults in the United States. Up to 25% of adults with NASH may have cirrhosis.