What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?

Did you know one of the most common causes of liver disease in the United States is not heavy alcohol use?

Hi, I'm Dr. Griffin Rodgers, director of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases at NIH.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, or NAFLD, is a condition when extra fat is stored in your liver. It is more common among people who have obesity or type 2 diabetes. Most people have no complications, but some people could develop cirrhosis—which is scarring that permanently damages your liver—or liver cancer.

While no medication has been approved to treat NAFLD, researchers are studying medicines that may improve this condition.

Your doctor may recommend gradual weight loss if you are overweight or have obesity to reduce fat in the liver through healthy food choices and physical activity.

For more information, follow us @NIDDKgov. This is Dr. Griffin Rodgers with the NIH.