Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (
NAFLD) is the most common
liver disease which may progress to non-
alcoholic steatohepatitis. The prevalence of
sarcopenia, which is the loss of muscle mass and strength, is increasing in the aging society. Recent studies reported the relationship between
NAFLD and
sarcopenia. The skeletal muscle is the primary organ for
glucose disposal. Loss of muscle mass can cause
insulin resistance, which is an important risk factor for
NAFLD. Moreover,
obesity, chronic low-grade
inflammation,
vitamin D deficiency, physical inactivity, hepatokines, and
myokines might be involved in the pathophysiologic mechanism of
sarcopenia and
NAFLD. Although most of the previous studies have demonstrated the positive correlation between
sarcopenia and
NAFLD, the difference in diagnostic methods of
sarcopenia and
NAFLD leads to difficulties in interpretation and application. This review discusses the concept and diagnosis of
sarcopenia and
NAFLD, common pathophysiology, and clinical studies linking
sarcopenia to
NAFLD. The presentation of the association between
sarcopenia and
NAFLD may provide an opportunity to prevent the deterioration of
fatty liver disease.