Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: In News
Ranchi is set to become the first district in Jharkhand to implement a large-scale campaign for the screening and management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- NAFLD, now known as Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is the term for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver.
- This buildup of fat is not caused by heavy alcohol use. When heavy alcohol use causes fat to build up in the liver, this condition is called alcohol-associated liver disease.
- Early-stage NAFLD does not usually cause any harm, but it can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, if it gets worse.
- Having high levels of fat in your liver is also associated with an increased risk of serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease.
- If you already have diabetes, NAFLD increases your chance of developing heart problems.
- Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are types of NAFLD.
- NASH is the severe form, which can cause cirrhosis and liver failure. It can also cause liver cancer.
- NAFLD is more common in people who have certain diseases and conditions, including obesity, and conditions that may be related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes.
- NAFLD can affect people of any age, including children.
- There’s currently no specific medication for NAFLD.
- Doctors recommend weight loss to treat
- Weight loss can reduce fat, inflammation, and fibrosis in the liver.
- Treatment may also be recommended for associated conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol) or complications.
