Fatty liver disease is one of the most neglected health issues with severe complications. Fatty liver disease, also known as hepatic steatosis, is a condition characterized by an accumulation of fat in the liver cells. This buildup of fat can lead to liver inflammation and damage over time. It is commonly associated with obesity, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, and excessive alcohol consumption. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent among individuals who do not consume excessive alcohol. If left untreated, fatty liver disease can progress to more severe conditions such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, or even liver failure.
The first medication for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a severe form of fatty liver disease was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Thursday. NASH affects approximately 6-8 million people in the United States, and is often associated with other health problems such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, obesity and high blood fat levels.