What is Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)? This term refers to a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in our liver. The condition is usually seen in people who are overweight or obese.

It’s important to note that a healthy liver should contain little or no fat.

Early-stages NAFLD does not usually cause any harm, but it can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, if it gets worse.

There are 4 main stages of NAFLD, these are:

1. simple fatty liver (steatosis) – a largely harmless build-up of fat in the liver cells that may only be diagnosed during tests carried out for another reason
2. non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) – is a more serious form of NAFLD, where the liver has become inflamed.
3. Fibrosis – is where persistent inflammation causes scar tissue to develop around the liver and nearby blood vessels, but the liver is still able to function normally.
4. cirrhosis – the most severe stage, occurring after years of inflammation, where the liver shrinks and becomes scarred and lumpy; this damage is permanent and can lead to liver failure and liver cancer.

It can take years for fibrosis or cirrhosis to develop, so it’s important to make lifestyle changes to prevent these conditions getting worse.

In the early stages of NAFLD there are not usually any symptoms. You may not realise you even have it unless it’s diagnosed during other tests carried out for another reason.

Occasionally, people with NASH or Fibrosis may experience:

• a dull or aching pain in the top right of the tummy (over the lower right side of the ribs)
• extreme tiredness
• unexplained weight loss
• Weakness

NAFLD is often diagnosed after a blood test called a liver function test produces an abnormal result.

The condition may also be spotted during an ultrasound scan of your tummy.

Most people with NAFLD will not develop any serious problems, but if you’re diagnosed with the condition, it’s a good idea to take steps to stop it getting any worse.

There’s currently no specific medication for NAFLD, but making healthy lifestyle choices can help you improve your condition, as adopting a healthier lifestyle is the main way of managing NAFLD.

It’s also important to note that, NAFLD is not caused by alcohol, however drinking alcohol can make it worse. Therefore, it’s recommended to either cut down or stop drinking alcohol completely if you have NAFLD.

We hope you found this information useful!

NAFLD Explained: Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

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