Metabolic Alterations Present in Obesity and Correlation with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Abstract

Currently in the world, thousands of people are somewhat overweight. Obesity, mainly characterized by the accumulation of fat in adipose tissue can cause various damages in the body, incluind Metabolic Syndrome. There is a high correlation between patients with this syndrome and those with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), being defined as the increase of the deposition of lipids in the liver in the absence of excessive consumption of alcohol. Excess intake of saturated fatty acids, increased free fatty acids derived from white adipose tissue lipolysis, reduced β-oxidation along with an increase in de novo lipogenesis and decreased synthesis or secretion of VLDL in hepatocytes contribute to the Hepatic steatosis. The treatment for these pathologies is initially based on diet changes and physical activity practice. In addition, there are still some classes of medicines available to treat the accumulation of fat in the liver as well as decrease insulin resistance. Studies still seek to find specific medicines for the treatment of NAFLD, therefore, the most effective method continues to be prevention, through an improvement in the quality of life, related to a balanced diet and the practice of regular physical activity.