Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver. The more severe form of the disease is called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which causes the liver to swell and become damaged.
New Nomenclature (Names) of NAFLD and NASH
Please note that NAFLD and NASH have been renamed. NAFLD is now called MASLD (metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease). NASH has been renamed MASH (metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis).
Learn about the new nomenclature (terminology) changes to NASH here.
NAFLD Tendencies
NAFLD (newly renamed MASLD) tends to develop in people who are overweight or obese, or have diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. However, some people have NAFLD even if they do not have any risk factors.
Most people with NAFLD are between the ages of 40 and 60 years, but it can affect children and younger adults. It is more common in women than in men. NAFLD often has no symptoms and can be present for years before symptoms occur.
NAFLD can progress to NASH (newly renamed MASH), which is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis in adults in the United States. Up to 25% of adults with NASH may have cirrhosis.
Calculate Your Body Mass Index
Body mass index (BMI) is a common tool for deciding whether a person has an appropriate body weight. It measures a person’s weight in relation to their height.
NASH: Definition & Prevalence
NASH (now called MASH) is a dangerously progressive form of NAFLD in which patients have inflammation of the liver and liver damage, in addition to excess fat. About 1.5% to 6.5% of U.S. adults have NASH.. One estimate is that nine to 15 million adults have NASH. NASH prevalence is projected to increase by 63% by 2030. NASH is expected to become the leading cause of liver transplantation in the United States between 2020 and 2025. NASH may progress to hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and is also a leading cause of liver transplant.
Learn more about understanding the differences between NAFLD and NASH.
NAFLD: Causes & Risk Factors
Researchers do not know the exact cause of NAFLD (now called MASLD), but there are some conditions that increase a person’s risk for this disease.
Explore who’s at risk and see if children can be impacted.
NAFLD and NASH: Symptoms
Usually NAFLD and NASH (MASLD and MASH, respectively) do not cause symptoms. If you do have symptoms, you may feel tired or have pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, where your liver is located. As liver damage worsens, more symptoms may occur.
Learn more about recognizing the signs and symptoms of NAFLD and NASH.
NAFLD and NASH: Diagnosis
Because most people with NAFLD (now called MASLD) have no symptoms, and because screening for it is not a recommended medical guideline at this time, fatty liver disease is often discovered during a routine blood test or screening for another medical condition.
Learn what factors determine a diagnosis for MASLD and MASH.
NAFLD and NASH: Complications
NAFLD and NASH (MASLD and MASH) can be silent diseases with no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are very mild and may include tiredness and fatigue in the early stages.
Learn how NASH can lead to some serious complications.
NAFLD and NASH: Treatment
The first line of treatment for NAFLD and NASH (MASLD and MASH) is weight loss, done through a combination of calorie reduction, exercise, and healthy eating.
Learn how NASH (now called MASH) is treated differently from NAFLD. (now called MASLD)
Questions to Ask Your Doctor + Patient/Physician Discussion Guide
Talking to your doctor about NASH (MASH) is critical, and it’s a conversation that could save your life. Asking the right questions is an important part of getting the most from your doctor’s visit. Use this guide to help begin your conversation with your doctor and record the answers below.
View and download our NASH Patient and Physician Discussion Guide
NASH: Patient Bill of Rights
Empower yourself to work with your doctors and medical team to achieve the best health outcomes on your journey with NASH (MASH) by downloading our NASH Patient Bill of Rights. For more details, click here.
Support Group
Visit the American Liver Foundation Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), now called metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis or MASH, support group on Facebook. For more details, click here…
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Speak with your doctor about the ongoing progress and results of these trials to get the most up-to-date information on new treatments. Participating in a clinical trial is a great way to contribute to curing, preventing and treating liver disease and its complications.
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Start your search here to find clinical trials that need people like you.
Last updated on May 16th, 2024 at 11:40 am