Obesity: A growing threat to liver health

Obesity is a major contributing factor to the burden of liver disease. Consequently, approximately 50% of overweight or obese people will have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with 15-20% also developing nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, which is known to cause liver cirrhosis. Rates of obesity in the UK vary according to region and are affected by socioeconomic status, ethnicity and lifestyle choices. Obesity is usually attributed to overeating, dietary choices and lack of physical exercise; however certain groups may have a genetic disposition for the development of NAFLD. NAFLD is poorly recognised and there should be an index of suspicion in all individuals who have obesity (particularly abdominal), type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or features of metabolic syndrome. NAFLD is now a disease affecting both adults and children. As such it is even more important for nurses to strengthen their roles as health educators to tackle this growing epidemic, not only for this generation, but also for the next, to ensure liver health is at the top of our health promotion and education agenda.