Oct. 26, 2023—According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), about 24% of American adults and 5% to 10% of American children have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
This too-common condition can lead to serious liver problems. And it's linked to an increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Luckily, there are steps you can take to help prevent or manage the condition.
What is NAFLD?
NAFLD is a condition caused by the buildup of fat in the liver. This buildup is not caused by drinking alcohol. There is no treatment or cure for NAFLD. While it can cause pain, there often are no symptoms.
NAFLD comes in two types:
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). Most people with NAFLD have NAFL, according to the NIDDK. That's good news, because this type is unlikely to cause life-threatening liver complications. However, people with NAFL are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This type of NAFLD can cause inflammation, damage and scarring of the liver. It also may lead to liver failure and liver cancer. Only a small percentage of people with NAFLD have NASH, reports the NIDDK. But up to 6.5% of U.S. adults have NASH. And the NIDDK estimates that up to 50% of kids with NAFLD have the NASH type of the disease.
NAFLD is more common with age, but rates are rising among children. People may be at higher risk if they:
- Are overweight or obese.
- Have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides.
- Lose weight rapidly.
Love your liver
NAFLD can't always be prevented. But according to the American Liver Foundation, you can take steps to tackle common risk factors and support good liver health. In some cases, making healthy changes can even reverse NAFLD in its early stages. To get started:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet that includes fiber.
- Avoid foods high in sugar, salt and saturated fat. Looking for ways to cut back on sugar? These tips can help.
- Drink plenty of water. Your body needs it to function properly.
- Limit alcohol.
- Exercise regularly.
If you're concerned about developing liver disease, let your doctor know. They can help you understand your risk—and take steps to control it.
Sources
- American Liver Foundation. "13 Ways to a Healthy Liver." https://liverfoundation.org/resource-center/blog/13-ways-to-a-healthy-liver.
- American Liver Foundation. "Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)." https://liverfoundation.org/liver-diseases/fatty-liver-disease/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-nafld.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH." https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/definition-facts.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Definition & Facts of NAFLD & NASH in Children." https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash-children/definition-facts.