Gastric Bypass and Influence on Improvement of NAFLD

Abstract

Purpose of Review

Obesity is recognized as a chronic and recurring disease, often accompanied by other weight-related comorbid conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This chapter will seek to focus on the effect of weight loss surgery (WLS), in particular Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), on NAFLD.

Recent Findings

Among several modalities available to treat NAFLD, the one most likely to achieve rapid, significant, and sustained improvement of liver disease is WLS.

Summary

The most commonly studied WLS procedure at this time is RYGB, and there is significant evidence that this is a safe and effective procedure both for weight loss and to bring about improvement of multiple associated comorbid conditions, including NAFLD. Further research focusing on non-surgical approaches that might mimic the effect of WLS on liver pathology is needed.

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