Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

NAFLD encompasses various liver conditions that occur in individuals who consume minimal or no alcohol.

The primary feature of NAFLD is an excessive accumulation of fat within liver cells.

Early-stage NAFLD typically does not cause harm, but it can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more aggressive form characterized by liver inflammation. 

NASH may advance to cirrhosis (liver is scarred and permanently damaged) and liver failure over time.

NAFLD independently predicts future risks of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes such as hypertension, abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, and more