Definition

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease involves the build-up of fat in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. It is a common condition. NAFLD may not cause any problems if it is mild. In some cases, it can cause inflammation and scarring in the liver. If this is severe, it can cause liver failure.

Causes

When the liver is unable to break down fats, they build up in liver tissue. Many conditions and diseases make it difficult for the liver to break down fats.

Risk Factors

NAFLD is more common in men and with increasing age. Other factors that increase the chance of NAFLD include:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Severe weight loss
• Some medications
• Exposure to certain chemicals

Symptoms

This disease often causes no symptoms. If fatty build-up is causing the liver not to function well, you may have symptoms. Symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Pain in the upper right side of the abdomen
• Muscle weakness
• Jaundice
• Itchy skin
• Lack of appetite
• Weight loss
• Nausea

NAFLD should be treated as soon as possible. Untreated NAFLD can progress to cirrhosis and increase your risk of other conditions, such as chronic kidney disease.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

• Blood tests—to look for raised liver enzymes
• Ultrasound—a test that uses sound waves to examine the liver
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of structures inside the abdomen
• Liver biopsy —a small piece of your liver is removed and examined

Treatment

Treatment focuses on the factors that are causing fatty liver disease. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment may focus on avoiding certain medications, chemicals, or lifestyle factors that can damage your liver.

Prevention

To reduce your chance of getting fatty liver disease, take the following steps:

• Maintain a healthy weight by eating a diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and unsaturated fats.
• Get at least 30 minutes of daily exercise.
• Manage other medical conditions as directed by your doctor.

Gastro—American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org/patient-center

Canadian Liver Foundation http://www.liver.ca

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. American Liver Foundation website. Available at:
http://www.liverfoundation.org/abouttheliver/info/nafld
Updated October 4, 2011. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed
Updated November 9, 2012. Accessed May 14, 2013.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse website. Available at:
http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/liver-disease/nonalcoholic-steatohepatitis/Pages/facts.aspx
Updated April 30, 2012. Accessed May 14, 2013.

1/31/2008 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Zaman A. Promote weight loss in patients with NAFLD. NEJM Journal Watch. Published September 24, 2013. Accessed October 1, 2013.

10/8/2014 1/31/2008 DynaMed’s Systematic Literature Surveillance
http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed:
Musso G, Gambino R, et al. Association of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Med. 2014;11(7):e1001680.