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The obesity epidemic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children

Winston Dunn1, Jeffrey B Schwimmer

  • 1Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego Medical Center, 200 West Arbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92103, USA.

Current Gastroenterology Reports
|April 18, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Childhood obesity fuels a rise in pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Current treatments are unproven, highlighting the urgent need for research and effective therapies for this growing public health crisis.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Childhood obesity is a global health concern.
  • Obesity is linked to increased nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children.
  • Pediatric NAFLD prevalence and severity are rising.

Purpose of the Study:

  • Review progress in pediatric NAFLD epidemiology, histology, and treatment (2005-2007).
  • Highlight the public health impact of childhood NAFLD.
  • Discuss diagnostic challenges and therapeutic research.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies published between 2005 and 2007.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data, histological findings, and treatment approaches.
  • Examination of diagnostic tool limitations.

Main Results:

  • Pediatric NAFLD is a significant public health issue.
  • Noninvasive diagnostic tools are promising but cannot yet grade or stage the disease.
  • Pediatric NAFLD diagnosis remains clinico-pathological, requiring liver biopsy.

Conclusions:

  • There are no proven therapies for pediatric NAFLD.
  • The Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children (TONIC) trial is underway.
  • Further research is crucial for understanding and treating pediatric NAFLD.

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