Recent figures show around 63% of adults in the UK are obese or overweight, and it’s estimated that 1 in 3 have early-stage non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
NAFLD is the term doctors use for for a range of conditions caused by a build-up of fat in the liver. It's usually seen in people who are overweight or obese.
Early-stage NAFLD does not usually cause any harm, but can lead to serious liver damage, including cirrhosis, if it gets worse, according to the NHS website. It adds that having high levels of fat in your liver can also mean an increased risk for serious health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
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The British Liver Trust estimates as many as one in five people in the UK have NAFLD, with around 5% of adults having the more advanced form - NASH - where the liver already has some scarring.
NAFLD has a number of common symptoms, and two of these appear on the skin. These are the skin and eyes yellowing, also known as jaundice, and also skin becoming itchy. You may also bruise easily.
Other warning signs include dark urine, swelling of the tummy, vomiting blood, dark, tarry stools, and periods of confusion.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the main way of managing NAFLD and NHS guidance lists losing weight, eating a healthier diet, and exercising regularly as examples of things sufferers should do. It also adds that while NAFLD is not caused by alcohol, drinking may make it worse.
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