Obesity and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a significant global impact, and their complications are quickly becoming a reason for primary care visits and hospitalizations. This article provides an overview of NAFLD and obesity, pathogenesis of NAFLD and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria, and a review of practice guidelines. The current mainstay of treatment for NAFLD are lifestyle modifications and include a plan to eat, move, and change behavior. The future holds potential for new drug therapies in treating NAFLD. More research is needed to move these treatments forward.

Keywords: Fatty liver disease; NAFLD; NASH; Obesity.