Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease & NASH in Children

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which fat builds up in the liver. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the form of NAFLD in which a child has hepatitis—inflammation of the liver—and liver cell damage, in addition to fat in the liver.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) typically cause few or no symptoms. Children with certain health conditions—such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes—are more likely to develop NAFLD and NASH.

Doctors use medical and family history, a physical exam, and tests to diagnose nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in children and to check for other liver problems. Tests may include blood and imaging tests and sometimes liver biopsy.

Doctors recommend that children who are overweight or obese lose weight to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). No medicines have been approved to treat NAFLD and NASH in children.

Eating a healthy diet, limiting portion sizes, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in children. If a child has NAFLD or NASH, the parent or caretaker should talk with a doctor about the child’s diet.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) and other components of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) conduct and support research into many diseases and conditions.