Refining NAFLD Thresholds: Insights on Liver Fat and Metabolic Health
Recent research highlights the challenge of defining excess intrahepatic triglyceride (IHTG) levels in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), emphasizing the need to distinguish between population norms and health-based thresholds.
Obesity and Alcohol Synergistically Increase Liver Cancer Risk in Hepatitis B-Positive Men
A 14-year prospective study of 2,260 Taiwanese men from the REVEAL-HBV cohort investigated the combined effects of body mass index (BMI) and alcohol use on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk. Participants, all hepatitis B surface antigen-positive, had a mean age of 46 years, an average BMI of 24 kg/m², and 20% reported alcohol use.
Rising Obesity and Diabetes Drive Global Surge in NAFLD, Highlighting Need for Better Treatments
As obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to rise globally, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is also increasing. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more severe form of NAFLD, can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and death. NAFLD is linked to other health issues such as chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea, significantly impacting health-related quality of life and creating a substantial economic burden.
NAFLD Affects 37% of US Adults, Driving New Care Pathway for Better Screening and Treatment
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about 37% of adults in the United States and up to 70% of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D). NAFLD encompasses a spectrum from simple fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can lead to more severe liver complications like fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD is closely linked to metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease, with its prevalence expected to increase alongside rising obesity rates.
Alcohol and Metabolic Syndrome: A Synergistic Risk for Chronic Liver Disease
Alcohol use and metabolic syndrome (MetS) are both highly prevalent and often co-exist, contributing independently and synergistically to chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Meeting the Challenge of MASH
Worldwide, MASH is increasing, and this is a challenge for patients and clinicians. Addressing this challenge is the development of evidence-based recommendations for the assessment and management of patients who live with MASLD and MASH.
Comorbidity: Health Benefits of Modest Weight Loss
Recent findings suggest that even small amounts of weight loss can lead to significant improvements in glycemic measures, triglycerides, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol, which are crucial for diabetes prevention.
Global Obesity Crisis: Stigma and Inadequate Care Persist Despite Affecting 2 Billion Adults
The obesity crisis is a global health challenge, affecting over 2 billion adults and nearly tripling in prevalence over the past 40 years. Despite its significant impact as a chronic, complex disease driving non-communicable diseases (NCDs), obesity remains inadequately addressed in health systems worldwide.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Health Concern Linked to Type 2 Diabetes
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver condition strongly linked to type 2 diabetes (T2D). In the US, it affects about 35% of the population and 52% of those with T2D.
