The terms nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have been replaced by metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) to reduce stigmatization. Defined by liver steatosis and at least one cardiometabolic risk factor like obesity or diabetes, MASLD is projected to affect over half of adults by 2040 due to the obesity pandemic. Around 20-30% of patients may progress to metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer, placing a growing burden on healthcare systems.

MASLD is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension as key risk factors. Insulin resistance and metabolic abnormalities like increased free fatty acids contribute to liver inflammation and fibrosis. MASLD also elevates cardiovascular disease risk, making it crucial to address both liver and heart health. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, have shown promise in improving liver function and metabolic health.

Reference: Yanai H, Adachi H, Hakoshima M, Iida S, Katsuyama H. Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-Its Pathophysiology, Association with Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease, and Treatments. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Oct 23;24(20):15473. doi: 10.3390/ijms242015473. PMID: 37895151; PMCID: PMC10607514.