The British Liver Trust estimates that four out of five people who have an advanced form of liver disease in the North East don't even know they have it - and it can lead to liver failure and cirrhosis.
The charity's analysis suggested that our region has a shocking prevalence of NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). This is the most advanced form of non-alcoholic liver disease. The BLT said the latest figures suggested there was a "growing epidemic" of the illness - and worst of all most don't know they're in danger.
Non-alcohol-related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can develop into the more serious NASH when the fat built up around the liver becomes inflamed. This inflammation can then cause scarring and even cirrhosis - which in turn can become liver failure or cancer.
