Is the soaring prevalence of non alcoholic fatty liver disease flying under the radar of hospital staff?

Abstract

Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the Western world affecting 25% of the population, and is a frequent manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MetS). As a result patients may be seen by healthcare professionals (HCP) in a variety of non-specialist secondary care settings.

• Non-specialists must be aware of the importance of NAFLD as a MetS co-factor.
• The ability to offer basic lifestyle advice and recognise that specialist referral may be required is essential to optimizing MetS care.