"Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the United States and, indeed, worldwide. It has become a global public health issue. In the United States, the prevalence in the general population is estimated at ∼20%, while that in the morbidly obese population at ∼75-92% and in the pediatric population at ∼13–14%. The progressive form of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, is estimated at ∼3–5%, with ∼3–5% of these having progressed to cirrhosis. Thus, the numbers of individuals at risk for end-stage liver disease and development of primary liver cancer is large. NAFLD is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, leads to increased all-cause mortality, and to increased liver-related mortality. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the NAFLD disease spectrum, including etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and genetic and environmental risk factors and suggests future directions for research in this important area."
