What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?

About Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):

• NAFLD is the term for a range of conditions caused by a buildup of fat in the liver.
• This buildup of fat is not caused by heavy alcohol use. When heavy alcohol use causes fat to build up in the liver, this condition is called alcohol-associated liver disease.
• Two types of NAFLD are nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
• People typically develop one type of NAFLD or the other, although sometimes people with one form are later diagnosed with the other form of NAFLD.
• NAFL:
  • NAFL is a form of NAFLD in which you have fat in your liver but little or no inflammation or liver damage. 
  • NAFL typically does not progress to cause liver damage or complications.
  • However, NAFL can cause pain from enlargement of the liver.
• NASH
  • NASH is the form of NAFLD in which you have inflammation of the liver and liver damage, in addition to fat in your liver.
  • The inflammation and liver damage of NASH can cause fibrosis, or scarring, of the liver. 
  • NASH may lead to cirrhosis, in which the liver is scarred and permanently damaged. Cirrhosis can lead to liver cancer.
• Who is more likely to develop NAFLD?
  • NAFLD is more common in people who have certain diseases and conditions, including obesity, and conditions that may be related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes.
  • NAFLD can affect people of any age, including children. 
• Treatment:
  • There's currently no specific medication for NAFLD.
  • Doctors recommend weight loss to treat NAFLD.
  • Weight loss can reduce fat, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver.
  • Treatment may also be recommended for associated conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol) or complications.

Q1) What are the functions of Liver?

The liver is the largest solid organ in the body. It carries out over 500 tasks and plays an essential role in digestion. Its roles include detoxification, protein synthesis, and producing digestive enzymes.

Source: Personality Disorders Linked to Increased Risk of Fatty Liver Disease