Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) occurs when too much fat builds up in the liver. It is not caused by drinking alcohol.
There are two main types of NAFLD:
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL). This is a milder form with simple buildup of fat.
- Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This is a more serious type where fat buildup causes liver injury (inflammation). It can lead to scarring of the liver (fibrosis) and even cirrhosis.
NAFLD is a progressive, yet reversible disease. It’s the number one cause of liver disease in children in the U.S.
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What are the signs and symptoms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease usually has no signs or symptoms, especially early in the disease.
What causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?
Experts are not sure what causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, but it may be linked to genes or certain health problems. Children are at higher risk for NAFLD if they:
- Are overweight or obese
- Have type 2 diabetes
- Have high blood pressure
- Have metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions related to obesity
- Have high triglycerides (certain fats in the blood)
How is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treated?
In most cases, your child’s care team will recommend weight loss through lifestyle changes (dietary changes and exercise) to help reduce fat buildup in the liver. Your child’s care team will discuss the best treatment approach with you and your family.