What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. It is becoming one of the most common liver disorders worldwide due to the rise in obesity, diabetes, and sedentary lifestyles.
NAFLD ranges from simple fat accumulation (steatosis) to a more severe condition called Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to liver inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, or even liver cancer.
Key Causes and Risk Factors of NAFLD
Understanding the root causes of NAFLD helps in early prevention and treatment. Common risk factors include:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Type 2 Diabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Insulin resistance
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Metabolic syndrome
- Poor dietary habits (high sugar or fat intake)
- Sedentary lifestyle
Even people with a normal BMI can develop NAFLD, especially if they have high visceral fat or insulin resistance.
Symptoms of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Most people with NAFLD may not show any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, some may experience:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Mild pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Swelling in the abdomen (ascites) in advanced stages
- Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Because NAFLD is often silent, routine health checkups are crucial for early detection.
How is NAFLD Diagnosed?
Your doctor may use the following to diagnose NAFLD:
- Liver function tests (LFTs)
- Ultrasound or FibroScan
- MRI or CT scan
- Liver biopsy (in some cases)
- Blood sugar and lipid profile tests
At Shree Polyclinic & Lab, we offer comprehensive liver screening packages to detect NAFLD at an early stage. Book your liver health test today.
Treatment and Management of NAFLD
There is no specific medication approved for NAFLD yet. However, it can be managed and even reversed with lifestyle changes:
- Weight loss: Even a 5-10% reduction in body weight improves liver fat and inflammation.
- Healthy diet: A low-carb, high-fiber diet like the Mediterranean diet is recommended.
- Regular exercise: Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking, 5 times a week.
- Control diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure
- Avoid alcohol and unnecessary medications
In advanced stages like NASH with fibrosis, consultation with a hepatologist is recommended.
NAFLD in India: Why Awareness Matters
India is witnessing a rising epidemic of fatty liver disease, even among younger adults. Sedentary habits, fast food consumption, and stress contribute heavily to this trend.
Early detection and lifestyle changes can prevent liver damage, making awareness and screening essential.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or have risk factors like obesity or diabetes, talk to your physician. Annual health screenings can help identify NAFLD early before complications develop.
FAQs on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Q. Can NAFLD be cured?
Yes, especially in early stages, NAFLD can be reversed with lifestyle changes.
Q. Is fatty liver life-threatening?
While early NAFLD is not life-threatening, it can progress to liver cirrhosis or cancer if ignored.
Q. How can I prevent NAFLD?
Eat healthy, exercise regularly, manage diabetes and cholesterol, and avoid alcohol.
Final Thoughts
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is a silent yet serious condition. With rising cases in urban India, regular checkups and a healthy lifestyle are key to prevention and management.
At Shree Polyclinic & Lab, we are committed to your liver health. Schedule your liver profile test or consultation today and take the first step towards a healthier future.
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