The first stage of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is known as simple fatty liver. This stage is characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver cells, which can lead to inflammation, scarring, and eventually cirrhosis.
Simple fatty liver is the most common stage of NAFLD and typically does not cause any symptoms. It is often diagnosed during a routine physical exam or imaging tests such as an ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can detect the presence of fat in the liver, as well as the size and shape of the liver.
At this stage, it is important to make lifestyle changes to prevent the progression of the disease. This includes eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding alcohol and other substances. It is also important to monitor the liver enzymes that may be elevated due to the accumulation of fat in the liver cells.
If these lifestyle modifications are not successful, medications may be prescribed to help reduce the fat accumulation in the liver, reduce inflammation, and/or prevent the progression of the disease. In some cases, a liver biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the disease.
The earlier NAFLD is detected and treated, the better the prognosis. If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to more severe stages, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) or cirrhosis.