The wide-ranging obesity has hurled nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) into a noteworthy public health problem in India as in other parts of the world.

The whole range of obesity, stretching from overweight to obese and severely obese, is linked with NAFLD. In this setting, the majority (>95%) of patients with severe obesity undergoing bariatric surgery will have NAFLD.

This takes obesity into the focus of NAFLD epidemiology that largely parallels the occurrence and factors underlying the obesity pandemic that is far-reaching globally. It is relevant and noteworthy to consider NAFLD epidemiology as an essential factor of a broader spectrum of metabolic disorders.

NAFLD occurrence trails nearly parallel movements with Asian countries bearing the effect of the developing burden of NAFLD. The biological factors including hereditary predisposition, are significant in the current strengthening development of obesity and NAFLD as one of its supplementary clinical associates. The present surge has its origins mainly in the accessibility of extra food calories and economic expansion that is taking place universally.

With the higher occurrence rates of NAFLD, prevention modalities must be accepted in the public by reducing obesity, taking a healthy diet, and increasing physical activity. These lifestyle changes will not only help in the prevention of NAFLD but also could help prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.

Source: Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020;5:16.