What is considered a major risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with several metabolic conditions, with obesity being one of the most significant risk factors. The accumulation of fat in the liver that is not related to alcohol consumption is often linked to excess body weight, which promotes insulin resistance and exacerbates liver fat deposition. As body mass index (BMI) increases, so does the likelihood of developing NAFLD, making obesity a major contributor to the disease's development and progression.

While diabetes mellitus type 2 and chronic kidney disease are also important health issues that can relate to liver health, they often stem from or are exacerbated by obesity. Moreover, while alcohol consumption is explicitly linked to liver disease, it does not play a role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, as the term itself indicates "nonalcoholic." Focusing on obesity provides a clear understanding of the lifestyle and metabolic factors that directly influence the onset of NAFLD.