Recent statistics reveal that approximately 63% of UK adults are either overweight or obese, and it’s estimated that one in three have early-stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a term used by medical professionals to describe a variety of conditions caused by an accumulation of fat in the liver, typically seen in individuals who are overweight or obese.
Early-stage NAFLD generally doesn’t cause harm, but if it progresses, it can lead to severe liver damage, including cirrhosis, as per NHS guidelines. The NHS also states that high levels of fat in your liver could increase your risk of serious health issues such as hypertension and diabetes.
The British Liver Trust estimates that as many as one in five people in the UK have NAFLD, with around 5% of adults having the more advanced form – NASH – where the liver already has some scarring. NAFLD has several common symptoms, three of which manifest on the skin: jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes, the skin bruising easily, and itchiness.
Other warning signs include dark urine, abdominal swelling, vomiting blood, dark, tarry stools, and periods of confusion. The primary method of managing NAFLD is adopting a healthy lifestyle, with NHS advice highlighting weight loss, a healthier diet, and regular exercise as key steps for sufferers.
While NAFLD isn’t caused by alcohol, drinking can exacerbate the condition, reports the Liverpool Echo.