Learn About Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a buildup of excessive fat in the liver that can lead to liver damage resembling the damage caused by alcohol abuse, but that occurs in people who do not drink heavily. The liver is a part of the digestive system that helps break down food, store energy, and remove waste products, including toxins. The liver normally contains some fat; an individual is considered to have a fatty liver (hepatic steatosis) if the liver contains more than 5 to 10 percent fat.
The specific causes of NAFLD are unclear. Genetic variations and environmental factors contribute to the development of this complex disorder.
NAFLD is a very common disorder, occurring in about 25 percent of the global population. Its prevalence is increasing along with the rising prevalence of obesity in industrialized societies, and it is now the most common chronic liver disorder in Western countries, including the United States. NAFLD is more prevalent in individuals of Hispanic, Native American, or Asian ancestry than in individuals of European or African ancestry.
An increased risk of developing NAFLD can be passed through generations in families, but the inheritance pattern is unknown. Variations in several genes as well as lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to the risk of developing this complex disorder.
Duke Health
Duke Endoscopy - Duke Clinic 2H
Manal Abdelmalek is a Gastroenterologist in Durham, North Carolina. Dr. Abdelmalek has been practicing medicine for over 30 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. She is also highly rated in 10 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Cirrhosis, and Alcoholic Cirrhosis. She is licensed to treat patients in North Carolina. Dr. Abdelmalek is currently accepting new patients.
Northwestern Medicine
Northwestern Medicine Digestive Health Center
Mary Rinella is a Gastroenterologist in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Rinella has been practicing medicine for over 26 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. She is also highly rated in 24 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, Cirrhosis, and Hepatitis. She is licensed to treat patients in Illinois. Dr. Rinella is currently accepting new patients.
University of California San Diego Health System
La Jolla 4510 Executive Dr
Rohit Loomba is a Gastroenterologist in San Diego, California. Dr. Loomba has been practicing medicine for over 23 years and is rated as an Elite doctor by MediFind in the treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. He is also highly rated in 12 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, Cirrhosis, and Alcoholic Cirrhosis. He is licensed to treat patients in Maryland and California. Dr. Loomba is currently accepting new patients.
Published Date:updated Last, November
Published By: National Institutes of Health