04 August 2015

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatisis (NASH)

NAFLD is the term used to mean that there is too much fat in the liver in someone who does not drink alcohol excessively
About a third of adults and 15% of children in the US have NAFLD
NASH is a diagnosis made by liver biopsy in someone with NAFLD that shows liver damage in association with the fat accumulation
About 3-5% of adults in the US have NASH; children are affected too, but how many is uncertain
NASH is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic factors with poor eating and exercise habits
NASH is most common in adults and children with obesity and type 2 diabetes
NASH can progress to cirrhosis; this often occurs silently without any symptoms
Lifestyle modifications that include regular exercise and healthy eating habits can cause the liver fat to go away and NASH to resolve; search the internet for “Harvard Healthy Eating Plate” for some great guidance
Bariatric surgery is also an effective treatment of NASH
There are currently no approved medications to treat NASH