Fatty Liver Disease
An overview of fatty liver disease, MASLD & MASH
The Liver Institute's expert hepatologists treat the various forms of fatty liver disease through targeted treatments to improve and extend patient health.
Let's take a quick look at the revised names for these liver conditions:
Fatty Liver Disease
- This is the general term for a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver
- New name: Steatotic Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)
- This is a specific type of fatty liver disease caused by non-alcoholic factors such as obesity, insulin resistance, high triglycerides and high blood sugar. This group of conditions are often referred to as metabolic syndrome
- New name: Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
- When nonalcoholic fatty liver disease becomes more severe, it is called "NASH"
- New name: Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)
QUICK FACTS
- MASLD is the most common liver disease in the world
- About 25-30% of adults in the U.S. have MASLD
- MASLD increases the risk for cardiovascular disorders and cancers
- Certain races & ethnicities are at higher risk
- More common in women than men
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Often, no symptoms are present until significant damage (inflammation or scarring) has been done to the liver. Diagnosing these conditions is a combination of an overall health discussion, physical exam, blood tests, imaging and biopsy (if necessary).
Treatment
Patients without any other medical conditions may not require specific treatment beyond lifestyle changes. The most effective management of MASLD/MASH is to implement certain lifestyle changes that can improve the overall health of your liver:
- Weight loss
- Improve your nutrition
- Avoid alcohol
- Regular exercise
- Educate yourself about your condition
- Routinely see a liver specialist