Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Global Burden.

Abstract

The map and global disease burden of chronic liver diseases are markedly changing, with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) becoming the most common cause of liver affection coinciding with the current epidemics of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Understanding the incidence and prevalence of NAFLD is critical because of its linkage to a significant economic burden of hospitalization and changing patterns in consequences such as liver transplantation. Moreover, the long-term average healthcare expenses of NAFLD patients have exceeded those of other liver diseases. To lessen the imminent burden of NAFLD, immediate actions to raise worldwide awareness and address metabolic risk factors are required. This review summarizes key data about the global disease burden of NAFLD, modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors, and current preventive approaches.