Silent liver disease — non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
- Resembles alcoholic liver disease, but occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol.
- Build-up of extra fat in the liver causing inflammation and damage, leading to cirrhosis.
- Affects 2% to 5 % of Americans but becoming more common.
- Most common in people who are middle-aged, overweight or obese, can occur in children.
- No symptoms, making early diagnosis tough.
- Simple blood test or liver scan can reveal fatty liver disease.
Are you at risk for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
If you have one or more of the below health conditions, speak to your health care provider about ways to lower your risk.
- Overweight or obese
- Type II diabetes
- High cholesterol
Why should I learn about non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
In the United States, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is:
- The leading cause of chronic liver disease in children and adults.
- Third-most common reason for liver transplants.
- A health diagnosis that can lead to cirrhosis, which is the 12th leading cause of death.
What are treatment options for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the most important factor to reducing your risks or reversing the disease.
- Reduce weight
- Follow balanced and healthy diet
- Increase physical activity
- Avoid alcohol
- Avoid unnecessary medications