NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease): What You Need to Know

NAFLD means extra fat in the liver not caused by heavy drinking. It’s common — especially if you have obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure. Most people with NAFLD feel fine at first, but the condition can slowly damage the liver and lead to inflammation, fibrosis, or worse. The good news: small, focused changes often make a big difference.

How NAFLD is diagnosed

Your doctor will start with a health history and simple blood tests. Look for elevated liver enzymes (ALT, AST). If those are high or risk factors are present, imaging is the next step — usually an abdominal ultrasound or FibroScan if available. Ultrasound shows fat; FibroScan measures stiffness (fibrosis). Sometimes a doctor orders CT or MRI, and in select cases a liver biopsy is used to confirm inflammation or fibrosis. Don’t ignore abnormal lab results — ask for the specific tests and what they mean for your liver.

Practical steps you can take today

Weight loss is the most reliable way to reduce liver fat. Aim for a steady 7–10% loss of body weight if you’re overweight; even 5% helps. The Mediterranean-style diet — lots of vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, olive oil, and nuts — is a simple, evidence-backed choice. Cut added sugars, sugary drinks, and highly processed carbs. That means fewer soft drinks, sweets, and refined snacks.

Move more. Try to reach about 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week (brisk walking, cycling, swimming). Strength training twice weekly helps preserve muscle and improve metabolism. If full workouts seem impossible, start with short daily walks and build from there.

Control related conditions. If you have type 2 diabetes, work with your doctor to lower blood sugar. High cholesterol and high blood pressure should be treated — statins are usually safe for NAFLD but ask your clinician. Avoid heavy alcohol intake; even small amounts can worsen liver damage for some people.

Are there medications for NAFLD? Right now there’s no single drug approved specifically for all NAFLD. Some medicines — like vitamin E or pioglitazone — may help certain patients under a doctor’s care, especially when inflammation (NASH) is present. New drugs are in clinical trials, so ask your provider about options and whether a trial might fit your situation.

When to see a specialist: ask for a hepatology or gastroenterology referral if tests suggest fibrosis, if liver enzymes stay high despite lifestyle changes, or if you have advanced diabetes or multiple risk factors. Regular follow-up matters — doctors monitor liver tests, imaging, and overall health to catch changes early.

NAFLD can be managed and often improved. Focus on steady weight loss, better diet, more activity, and treating diabetes or cholesterol. Small, consistent steps usually give the best results — and they protect your liver down the road.