Can rapid weight loss cause fatty liver disease ?

Fatty liver disease is usually associated with alcohol abuse. However obesity, metabolic syndrome, hyperlipidemia and type 2 diabetes are now well established risk factors. In such cases it is called Non- Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) because the liver disease is present despite there being no history of excess alcohol use in the affected individuals. When inflammation is present, it is a more severe form of the disease and it is called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH).

According to research, metabolic syndrome (insulin resistance) appears to be the underlying issue in non alcoholic fatty liver disease. This is why it is commonly observed in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also being increasingly observed among individuals who have experienced rapid loss. There are reports of people who have lost between 18kg – 91kg developing fatty liver disease with inflammation.

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increasing globally and especially in the USA. Approximately 30% of the population of the United States (90 million persons) are estimated to be affected by NAFLD. The majority of type 2 diabetics are said to be affected. Non-alcoholic fatty liver typically progresses slowly and may not be clinically apparent because there are often no symptoms in the early stages. In addition, it requires a biopsy for definitive diagnosis. Despite this, it is emerging as the most common....(click for more)