Abstract
NAFLD is a very common asymptomatic liver condition that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and a relation to the different components of the metabolic syndrome has been found. In this review we highlight some of the epidemiological aspects of the two disorders and discuss some of the possible mechanisms and questions to be answered concerning the risk factors for the progression of this condition, as well as the need for more studies to focus on possible modalities of treatment.