Learn about NAFLD causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options.

1. What is NAFLD?
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

2. What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
A healthy liver has a small amount of fat cells. When more than 10% of
the liver’s weight is made up of fat cells, it is considered to be a fatty
liver. The extra fat causes inflammation and scarring, that can potentially
lead to cirrhosis and liver failure.

3. Two Types of Non-Alcoholic
Fatty Liver Disease
• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
(NAFLD)
Fat deposits with no liver damage
• Non-Alcoholic Steatophepatitis (NASH)
In addition to extra fat, the liver is
inflamed and/or already damaged.

4. Who is Likely to Have
Non-Alcoholic Fatty
Liver Disease?
NALFD and NASH are most
common in obese people in their
40s and 50s, although it can
sometimes occur in children.

5. Symptoms
One of the most concerning aspects, is
that many patients do not experience
symptoms until the disease has severely
progressed. Symptoms can include:
• Abdominal Pain
• Abdominal Swelling
• Visible Spider-Like Blood Vessels
• Yellow Hue to the Skin
• Yellowing of the Whites of the Eyes
• Enlarged Breasts in Men
• Weakness
• Fatigue

6. Diagnosis
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver
Disease can be diagnosed
with blood tests or imaging,
such as MRI or a CT Scan.
If your medical provider
sees signs of NAFLD, they
will order a liver biopsy to
confirm the diagnosis.

7. Treatment Options
Your doctor will recommend the
following steps be taken to treat
NAFLD:
• Lose Weight
• Weight Loss Surgery
• Exercise Regularly
• Avoid Alcohol and Over-the-
Counter Medications

8. Risk Factors
Some factors that increase the
likelihood of developing Non-
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease include:
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Being Overweight
• High Cholesterol
• Hypothyroidism
• Large Amounts of Body Fat
in the Abdominal Area

9. Prevention
Preventing Non-Alcoholic Fatty
Liver Disease involves long-term
lifestyle habits, such as eating
a well-balanced diet, exercising
regularly and maintaining a
healthy weight.

10. Treatment for Non-Alcoholic
Fatty Liver Disease
At Pinnacle Research, we specialize in the
exploration of liver disease. We work with more
than 70 referring physicians in San Antonio and
Austin, providing clinical trials in liver disease.
Contact us to discuss how we can help you.
San Antonio Office – 210.982.0320
Austin Office – 512.384.1560
info@pinnacleresearch.com
PinnacleResearch.com