What is NAFLD?
NAFLD stands for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. It is a condition where fat builds up in the liver in people who drink little or no alcohol. It is one of the most common liver disorders worldwide, especially in people who are overweight or have diabetes.

What causes NAFLD?
NAFLD is mainly caused by:

• Obesity (especially belly fat)
• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• High cholesterol or triglyceride levels
• High blood pressure
• Poor diet (high in sugar and fat)
• Lack of physical activity

Even people with a normal weight can develop NAFLD, especially if they have insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome.

Are there different types of NAFLD?
Yes, there are two main types:

• Simple fatty liver (steatosis): Fat is present in the liver, but without serious inflammation or damage.
• NASH (Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis): This is more severe, involving liver inflammation and damage. It can lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.

What are the symptoms of NAFLD?
In the early stages, NAFLD often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Fatigue
• Mild upper right abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Unexplained weight loss

Advanced cases may lead to:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Swelling in the abdomen or legs
• Mental confusion

How is NAFLD diagnosed?
Doctors may suspect NAFLD based on blood tests or imaging. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Liver function tests (to check enzyme levels)
• Ultrasound or MRI (to detect fat buildup)
• FibroScan (to measure liver stiffness)
• Liver biopsy (if NASH is suspected)

How is NAFLD treated?
There’s no specific medication for NAFLD, but it can be managed with:

• Weight loss: Losing 5–10% of body weight can improve liver health.
• Healthy eating: A Mediterranean-style diet helps reduce fat and inflammation.
• Regular exercise: Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
• Controlling diabetes and cholesterol
• Avoiding alcohol

What are the complications of NAFLD?
If untreated, NAFLD can progress to:

• Liver fibrosis (scarring)
• Cirrhosis (severe scarring)
• Liver failure
• Liver cancer
• Heart disease and stroke

Can NAFLD be prevented?
Yes, you can reduce your risk by:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating a balanced diet
• Staying physically active
• Managing diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure
• Avoiding unnecessary medications and alcohol

When should I see a doctor?
Consult a healthcare provider if you:

• Have persistent fatigue or abdominal pain
• Notice unusual weight loss
• Have abnormal liver test results
• Are at risk due to obesity or diabetes