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In 2020, approximately 34% of people in the United States were living with steatohepatitis associated with a metabolic disorder (MAD). And that number is expected to reach 40% (2 in 5 Americans) by 2050 due to rising obesity rates.
Understanding EADM, including its symptoms and possible causes, could be helpful in determining whether you are at risk of developing it.
What is EADM?
Formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASLD), EADM is actually a general term for a group of disorders that occur when too much fat builds up in the liver with little or no alcohol consumption.
Over time, this fat buildup can lead to inflammation (swelling) of your liver, which in turn can cause more serious problems.
If left untreated, EADM can worsen and lead to liver failure associated with metabolic dysfunction or MASH (formerly known as ENA, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis), which leads to fat buildup and liver inflammation.
Finally, MASH can cause cirrhosis, a liver disease that occurs when scar tissue caused by long-term inflammation prevents the liver from functioning normally.
Symptoms of EADM
EADM can take many years to occur and you may not have any symptoms unless you develop MASH or another more serious liver disease.
People with MASH or other types of EADM may notice symptoms such as:
- Pain in the upper right part of your stomach (where the liver is located)
- Inflammation of the stomach
- Weight loss for no apparent reason
- Yellowish skin and eyes (sclera) (jaundice)
Risk factors for EADM
Experts aren’t sure why some people experience more fatty liver buildup and why this buildup sometimes causes more serious liver problems.
We know that EADM and MASH are related to:
- genetics: You are up to 12 times more likely to develop EADM if a first-degree relative (parent, sibling or child) has it. Certain genetic factors are also more common among Hispanics.
- Insulin resistance: This occurs when your cells do not respond properly to the insulin in your body to process glucose in your blood.
- Triglycerides: Triglycerides are a type of fat, and high levels of this and other fats in the blood are associated with EADM.
You may also be at higher risk of developing EADM (including MASH) if you have:
- Polyendocrine metabolic ovary syndrome (MPOS), formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- metabolic syndrome
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Hypopituitarism (hypopituitarism)
- Growth hormone deficiency
If you have any of these conditions, you should talk to your doctor about your personal risk of developing EADM.
Prevention of EADM
The good news from EADM? You can help prevent this by making lifestyle changes.
It’s probably no surprise that the same healthy habits that promote overall well-being are also good for your liver. These include:
- Eat well, which means eating lots of vegetables, fruits, proteins, healthy fats and whole grains
- Consume sugar in moderation
- Avoid alcohol
- Maintain a weight that is healthy for your body shape and size
- Move your body most days of the week with activities you enjoy (dancing, gardening, hiking, etc.).
Remember, you don’t have to completely change your diet or go to the gym every day to reduce your risk of EADM. Even simple changes can have a big impact on your liver health.
Treatment of EADM
Treatment for EADM depends on each person, but generally the first step is to reach a healthy weight if you are not already there.
Studies show significant improvements in liver fat, swelling, and healing in people with EADM who only had a 5 to 10% reduction in body mass, and that weight loss of more than 10% could completely alleviate fatty liver disease.
Your doctor may then recommend medications that reduce the amount of fat in your liver.
Two medications are currently available to treat MASH patients with moderate to severe liver scarring:
If you have other medical conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, your doctor will likely help you manage these conditions as part of your EADM treatment plan.
Your liver and your health
EADM may be common, but it is not inevitable. By taking simple steps such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, you can help reduce your risk of liver disease.
If you think you may be at higher risk for EADM because of your genetics, obesity, or other medical conditions, it may be time to talk to your doctor.
Together, you can evaluate your symptoms and determine a plan for diagnosis and treatment.
This educational resource was created with support from Merck.
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