Definition

A common condition in which fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. There are two types of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, simple or nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). NAFL causes little or no inflammation or damage in the liver and usually does not cause serious liver problems. NASH is the more serious type of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It can cause liver inflammation and damage to the cells in the liver. This may lead to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver failure, or liver cancer. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease usually affects middle-aged and older adults but is becoming more common in children and teens. It is especially common in people who are overweight or who have obesity, diabetes, or high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides (a type of fat) in the blood. Also called NAFLD.