Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Metabolic Syndrome

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MS) are highly prevalent, affecting approximately one-third of the US population. The relationship between NAFLD and MS is complex and may be bidirectionally associated. NAFLD is strongly associated with MS, the components of which include abdominal obesity, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. NAFLD associated with certain genetic factors, such as the PNPLA3 G allele variant, is not accompanied by insulin resistance and MS. Lifestyle modification, including diet and physical activity targeting visceral adiposity, remains the standard of care for patients with NAFLD and MS.