吉大一院牛俊奇：中国第一大肝病，不只是“肝脏胖了”

Core Viewpoint - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease in China, affecting approximately one in three adults, with a prevalence rate of 29.6% over the past 20 years [1][2]. Group 1: Disease Overview - NAFLD, also referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease, has seen a significant increase in prevalence due to lifestyle changes, including reduced physical activity and increased caloric intake [2][3]. - Approximately 30% of the Chinese population is affected by fatty liver, with about 25% of those potentially progressing to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and a small percentage developing cirrhosis or liver cancer over time [3][4]. Group 2: Symptoms and Diagnosis - Symptoms of moderate to severe fatty liver may include mild pain in the upper right abdomen, often overlooked, with many cases discovered incidentally during health check-ups due to elevated transaminase levels [4][5]. - Recommended diagnostic methods include ultrasound, liver stiffness measurement, and MRI, with liver biopsy being the gold standard for accuracy [6]. Group 3: Treatment and Management - Treatment for NAFLD focuses on lifestyle changes, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, with specific dietary recommendations to avoid excessive caloric intake from snacks and certain foods [8][9]. - Surgical options, such as gastrointestinal reconstruction for weight loss, have shown effectiveness in treating fatty liver disease [9]. Group 4: Drug Development and Approval - Two drugs have been approved in the U.S. for treating NAFLD: a thyroid hormone beta receptor agonist and a GLP-1 receptor agonist, both of which help reduce liver fat [10]. - The approval process for new drugs in China is complex, with an estimated timeline of 2 to 5 years for potential new treatments, requiring extensive clinical trials and follow-up [11][12][13].