The purpose of this study is to learn how different aspects of daily life and the environment may affect a child’s risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Researchers hope that information from this study will improve understanding of the factors that contribute to liver disease and help inform future prevention and treatment efforts.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 9-18
• Have overweight or obesity
• Parent must be able to participate if youth participant is under 18
• No previous diagnosis of a major illness
• No diagnosis of non-obesity related cause of fatty liver disease

Exclusion Criteria 

• Diagnosis of any non-obesity related cause of fatty liver disease including but not limited to hepatitis B, hepatitis C, disorders of cholesterol synthesis, Wilson’s disease, mitochondrial and peroxisomal disorders, lysosomal acid lipase deficiency and lipodystrophies
• Previously diagnosed with any major illness (e.g., severe intrauterine growth retardation, chronic birth asphyxia, cancer)

If you choose to participate, you will take part in three in-person study visits over a period of three years (one visit per year).

During each study visit, participants will:

1. Review and complete the informed consent and assent process.
2. Provide biological samples, including blood, urine, nasal swab, and stool samples.
3. Complete a FibroScan, a non-invasive ultrasound-based test that measures liver fat and liver stiffness.
4. Complete questionnaires about demographics, housing history, lifestyle habits, family history, medical history, and recent food and beverage intake.

Some participants may also choose to take part in optional procedures, including:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
• Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA)

All study procedures are performed for research purposes. No experimental treatments or interventions will be provided as part of this study.

Participants may receive up to $275 for completing study activities, plus a $25 travel reimbursement.

Participants who complete clinical laboratory testing will also have access to their laboratory results. FibroScan results will be available through the participant portal.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.