Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to a group of conditions that cause fat accumulation in the liver. This occurs in individuals who consume little to no alcohol. NAFLD is especially common among people who are overweight or obese.
Symptoms of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Most individuals with NAFLD do not experience noticeable symptoms. However, in cases where symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Fatigue
- Discomfort or pain in the upper right abdomen
As NAFLD progresses, it can cause liver scarring (fibrosis), and in more advanced stages, the following symptoms may appear:
- Abdominal swelling
- Enlarged blood vessels
- Enlarged spleen
- Red palms
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Causes of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
The exact cause of NAFLD is not fully understood, but the condition is linked to certain risk factors that promote fat accumulation in the liver, such as:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Insulin resistance
- High blood sugar (indicative of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes)
- Elevated levels of fat (triglycerides) in the blood
NAFLD is more likely to affect individuals with the following conditions:
- High cholesterol
- Elevated triglycerides
- Metabolic syndrome
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Sleep apnea
- Type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
Diagnosis of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Since NAFLD often does not cause symptoms in its early stages, it is frequently diagnosed during routine medical checkups. Diagnostic tests for NAFLD may include:
- Liver ultrasound
- Complete blood count
- Liver enzyme and function tests
- Screening for hepatitis and celiac disease
- Blood sugar test
- Lipid profile to assess cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Abdominal ultrasound or CT scan
- FibroScan
- Liver biopsy
Treatment for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
NAFLD treatment typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Your healthcare provider may recommend weight loss through a healthy diet and regular exercise. In cases where significant weight loss cannot be achieved through lifestyle changes alone, weight loss or bariatric surgery may be considered as a treatment option.
