Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption. It is strongly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD has become one of the most common liver disorders globally and is increasingly prevalent in the UAE due to rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles.

In NAFLD, excess calories—particularly from carbohydrates and fats—are stored in the liver, leading to fat infiltration of liver cells. While early stages may be asymptomatic, ongoing fat accumulation triggers inflammation, oxidative stress, and liver cell injury. If left untreated, NAFLD can progress to more severe liver disease, including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure.

Patients with NAFLD often experience vague symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal discomfort, or weakness, but many remain undiagnosed until abnormal liver enzymes are detected on blood tests or imaging studies. The condition is closely linked to insulin resistance, meaning that managing weight and metabolic health is central to treatment.

Bariatric surgery has been shown to be one of the most effective interventions for obesity-related NAFLD. Surgical weight loss significantly reduces liver fat content, improves insulin sensitivity, and lowers systemic inflammation. Studies demonstrate marked improvement in liver enzyme levels and liver histology following bariatric procedures.

Weight loss achieved through bariatric surgery leads to reduced fat delivery to the liver and improved metabolic regulation. In many patients, NAFLD improves or resolves entirely within months to a year after surgery. Early intervention is particularly important to prevent progression to irreversible liver damage.

Management includes comprehensive pre-operative liver assessment and careful post-operative monitoring. Nutritional counseling and lifestyle modification remain integral to long-term liver health. By addressing the root cause of NAFLD—excess weight and metabolic dysfunction—bariatric surgery offers a disease-modifying and preventive approach to liver disease.