Approximately 30% of Americans have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), according to the American Liver Association. NAFLD is when fat accumulates in the liver in people that don’t drink alcohol, or drink little, it is also associated with obesity.

In 1985,  less than 10% of Americans were considered obese, today that number is over 60%. With this increase, obesity related health issues have also increased. One of which is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

What is the difference between NAFLD vs MASLD

NAFLD Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

This term was used when fat accumulated in the liver without a clear link to alcohol consumption.

MASLD Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

This is the new term, emphasizing that the liver fat accumulation is linked to metabolic issues like obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

“Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) used to be called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. MASLD is when fat builds up in your liver because of extra body weight, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. If the liver has both fat buildup and inflammation, it’s called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).” Hopkins Medicine. 

The dangers of developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

One of the biggest challenges of NAFLD, is that most often there are no symptoms before issues start occurring. Which is why it is also called a silent liver disease. It can take five to ten years after a person develops NAFLD, until a person shows any symptoms.

These noticeable symptoms typically include:

high blood pressure

weakness

pain in the right abdomen

spider like blood vessels on the skin

long lasting itching

weight loss

joint and back pain

fatigue

If NAFLD is not treated in the early stages, inflammation and cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) or chronic viral hepatitis, as well as lead to cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

How can nonalcoholic liver fatty disease be treated or reversed?

If overweight or obese, reduce weight

Follow a well balance and healthy diet

Increase physical activity

Avoid alcohol

Avoid unnecessary medications

Steps you can do to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Since most people don’t realize they have NAFLD, because they don’t develop symptoms, it is important to talk with your doctor about the risk factors. Undergoing diagnostic testing for NAFLD is vital for catching the condition early to prevent it from becoming a serious health condition

The team at Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida. provides patients with the highest quality of care with the latest technology available. Once diagnosed by a Gastroenterologist, there are several treatment options and medications available to help treat and ease your symptoms.

Preventative screening and testing help detect diseases and conditions in their early and most treatable stages. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Gastroenterology Consultants of Central Florida.