Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a multisystem disease requiring a multidisciplinary and holistic approach

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a public health problem worldwide. This narrative Review provides an overview of the current literature to support the notion that NAFLD is a multisystem disease. Convincing evidence shows a strong association between NAFLD and the risk of developing multiple extrahepatic complications such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (ie, the predominant cause of mortality in people with NAFLD), chronic kidney disease, and some types of extrahepatic malignancies. The magnitude of this risk parallels the severity of NAFLD (especially the stage of liver fibrosis). There are probably multiple underlying mechanisms by which NAFLD might increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and extrahepatic complications. Addressing the growing burden of NAFLD will require setting up a multidisciplinary working group and framework to progress and embrace novel collaborative ways of working to deliver holistic, person-centred care and management of people with NAFLD.