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Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease(NAFLD)

What is NAFLD?

  • Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol.
  • Also called Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).
  • It is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide.
  • Often linked with obesity, diabetes, and metabolic problems.
  • Usually develops slowly and may have no early symptoms.

Types of NAFLD

  • NAFL (Simple fatty liver): Fat present without major damage
  • NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis): Fat + inflammation + liver damage

Symptoms of NAFLD

  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Mild discomfort in upper right abdomen
  • Weakness/Weight loss
  • Swelling in abdomen or legs
  • Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)

Causes of NAFLD

  • Insulin resistance
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Fat metabolism problems

Risk Factors of NAFLD

  • Overweight or obesity
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Genetic factors

Diagnosis of NAFLD

  • Blood tests (liver enzymes)
  • Liver function tests
  • Ultrasound or imaging scans
  • Liver biopsy (in selected cases)

Complications of NAFLD

  • NASH (liver inflammation)
  • Fibrosis (liver scarring)
  • Cirrhosis (permanent liver damage)
  • Liver failure
  • Increased risk of liver cancer

Stages of NAFLD

  • Fatty liver (steatosis): The 1st stage, where there is build-up of fat but no damage to liver.
  • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): A build-up of fat has caused inflammation in liver.
  • Fibrosis: There is damage to liver, but it will usually still be working well.
  • Cirrhosis: There is severe damage to liver that will affect how well it works. This could cause serious health problems including internal bleeding, liver failure, liver cancer or sepsis.

Treatment of NAFLD

  • No specific approved medicine - lifestyle management is key
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