Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is also sometimes referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This term describes a condition in which fat accumulates in the liver. It is important to note that NAFLD is not associated with heavy alcohol use. Alcohol-associated liver disease is a different condition in which heavy alcohol use leads to fat accumulation in the liver.
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NAFLD can be divided into two types:
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Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL). Someone with NAFL has fat in the liver but minimal inflammation and liver damage, and it usually does not advance to cause liver complications or damage. However, it can cause an enlarged liver which can lead to symptoms of pain.
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Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)/metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This type of NAFLD causes liver inflammation and damage, leading to fibrosis (scarring). It can also lead to cirrhosis, which is permanent scarring and damage, which is linked to liver cancer.
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As noted, individuals with NAFLD can experience serious liver complications like cirrhosis, liver cancer, liver failure, and liver transplant. It can also increase someone’s risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Thus, it is essential to estimate one’s risk for developing NAFLD to prevent downstream complications.
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NAFLD tends to occur alongside other chronic conditions. For example, one to two thirds of individuals with type 2 diabetes will also have NAFLD. As many as 75 percent of overweight people and 90 percent of severely obese people will also have NAFLD. As such, the following are considered when estimating someone’s NAFLD risk:
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Excess weight, specifically excess abdominal fat
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High triglycerides or LDL cholesterol levels
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Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
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High blood pressure
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Other conditions such as sleep apnea, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and hypothyroidism