Skip to site alert. Skip to content. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition often associated with obesity, affects an estimated 80 million people in the United States and is the most common chronic liver condition in children and adolescents. We spoke with pediatric gastroenterologist Jennifer Woo Baidal, MD, MPH , about reasons for this trend, potential health consequences, and ways to prevent or reverse the condition in children. Fatty liver disease occurs when too much fat accumulates in the liver and triggers an inflammatory process that injures liver cells. Many parents are aware that obesity can lead to type 2 diabetes and other serious metabolic conditions, but there is far less awareness of the link between obesity and liver disease. We diagnose it by measuring blood levels of an enzyme called ALT, which is a marker for liver damage.

With the teen years come a tremendous amount of changes. Your teen will grow emotionally, functionally, and intellectually, developing a sense of independence, identity, and self-esteem. Your teen will also grow physically, increasing their need for calories and nutrients.

The USDA recommends a 2, calorie diet; however most Americans consume many more than 2, calories per day. The diet of most Americans has more saturated fats, salts and sugars in them than is recommended. This problem leads to obesity which then leads to an increased risk for:.