The Impact of Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes on Chronic Liver Disease

The growing global epidemic of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has led to the increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In addition, the presence of obesity and T2DM has been shown to increase the likelihood of adverse outcomes in patients with chronic liver disease. In a study by Harris et al., a combination of obesity and T2DM was associated with an increased risk for higher liver stiffness, as measured by transient elastography. It is possible that public health and clinical intervention targeting these components of metabolic syndrome can lead to improved outcomes of subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and other chronic liver diseases.