Fatty liver disease is the fastest-growing segment of chronic liver disease. It is estimated that more than one in three adults suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease aka. MASLD (previously non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD)1. With early detection and intervention fatty liver disease can be halted or even reversed.
About Fatty Liver Disease
Fatty liver disease is caused by an excess amount of fat in the liver. Usually a small amount of excess fat isn’t problematic, but for about 20% of those with fatty liver, the condition gradually progresses and leads to inflammation in the liver. This is known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis, MASH (previously non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, NASH). Inflammation in the liver can cause scar tissue build up, a process called fibrosis. When scar tissue extensively replaces healthy tissue and impairs liver function, cirrhosis occurs which dramatically increases the chances of liver failure or cancer.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
Fatty liver disease often has no noticeable symptoms, some subtle signs include fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. If you have type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, or other metabolic diseases, you may be at higher risk for fatty liver disease.