Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has soared in the last three years, according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics. It is the term used for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver, and is usually seen in people who are overweight or obese.
Early-stage NAFLD does not usually cause any harm, but it can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, if it gets worse. Having high levels of fat in your liver is also associated with an increased risk of serious health problems, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease.
If you already have diabetes, NAFLD increases your chance of developing heart problems. If detected and managed at an early stage, it's possible to stop it getting worse and reduce the amount of fat in your liver.
