ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Silent Epidemic: Fatty liver disease rises
Fatty liver disease (also known as hepatic steatosis), occurs when excessive fat accumulates in the liver, which can lead to severe health complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Fatty liver disease, then as a result of excess alcohol consumption, was identified in the early 1800’s. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is relatively new, and identified as a separate entity in 1980. While it was rare then, it is considered the most rapidly developing cause of liver disease today. NAFLD (now re-named Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) is linked to metabolic disorders, especially diabetes and obesity.
Most people don’t even know they have fatty liver disease. The symptoms include fatigue, or pain in the upper right quadrant of the abdomen. Normally it is found via other testing such as ultrasound, MRI’s, CT scans or lab work, and usually an “incidental” finding. It is estimated that NAFLD in adults is approximately 32% of the world’s population and estimated that it is as high as 70% amongst overweight individuals worldwide. The prevalence of NAFLD exceeds 40% (diagnosed) and is estimated to be much higher. In the United States, NAFLD cases are expected to rise from 83.1 million in 2015 to 100.9 million in 2030!
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