Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) - a new challenge for the healthcare system

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is primarily based on too little exercise combined with too much energy intake. Thus, it can be referred to as a lifestyle-related disease. It is estimated that every third person in Germany has fatty liver, which develops into fatty liver inflammation (NASH) in up to 5% of those affected. Progressive fatty liver inflammation can have far-reaching health complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. Medication has not been approved to date. The most important intervention for those affected is a permanent change in their lifestyle.

In addition, half of NAFLD patients have other diseases and disorders of the metabolism such as dyslipidaemia (50%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (60%). In addition, patients are often affected by obesity (72%, BMI>30kg/m2) and hypertension (78%) (see Alsenbesy M et al. Z Gastroenterol 2019; 57: 1209-1217).