Fatty Liver Disease:  a common but “silent” disease

According to medical experts at the National Institutes for Health, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (“NAFLD”) is one of the most common causes of liver disease in the United States, and affects an estimated 24% of the adult population.¹  It is categorized as a “silent” disease due to the fact that a majority of people with NAFLD exhibit little or no symptoms.

NAFLD is a medical condition that results from the storage of excess fat in the liver, and is divided into two categories:

• NAFL:   Non-alcoholic fatty liver (“NAFL”) develops when an excess amount of fat is stored in the liver with little or no inflammation or subsequent liver damage;

• NASH: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (“NASH”) occurs when inflammation and / or liver damage is present in addition to an excess amount of fat.  This form of liver disease is more serious and can lead to fibrosis and scarring of the liver.

Excessive alcohol consumption is not a causative factor in either condition.

Risk factors commonly associated with NAFLD include:

• Type 2 Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Obesity

• Elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels

• An Inactive lifestyle

NAFLD can be diagnosed through various screening methods:  liver enzyme blood tests; imaging tests; a liver biopsy.  Metabolic Research Institute Inc. is now offering liver scans via FIBROSCAN technology at no cost to our patients.  A FIBROSCAN is a simple, painless and non-invasive procedure used to accurately assess the health of the liver. Individuals determined to have liver damage may be eligible to participate in clinical studies that may help.

For more information, call Metabolic Research Institute Inc. (561) 802-3060, ext. 8036 or visit:  https://www.metabolic-institute.com/NAFLD

^{(1) https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/nafld-nash/definition-facts}