The Facts About Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)*

As incredible as it may seem, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)* affects up to 25% of people (adults and children) in the United States. MASLD used to be known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

1. MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotiic liver disease) is the buildup of extra fat in liver cells that is not caused by alcohol. It is normal for the liver to contain some fat; however, if more than five to ten percent of the liver’s weight is fat, it is considered to be steatosis (fatty liver).
2. MASLD tends to develop in people who are overweight or obese, or have type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol or high triglycerides. Rapid weight loss and poor eating habits also may lead to MASLD. Some people, however, develop MASLD even if they don’t have any known risk factors.
3. Serious health risks are linked to MASLD. It may cause the liver to swell (steatohepatitis). Over time, a swollen liver may cause scarring (fibrosis or cirrhosis) and may even lead to liver cancer or liver failure.
4. Strangely, people with MASLD often have no symptoms. If and when symptoms occur, they may include fatigue, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, spider-like blood vessels, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), itching, fluid buildup and swelling of the legs (edema) and abdomen (ascites), and mental confusion.
5. There are no specific medical tests to diagnose MASLD, and because most people do not experience symptoms they may not see a doctor right away. MASLD is initially suspected if blood tests show high levels of liver enzymes. To be certain of the diagnosis of MASLD, other liver diseases are first ruled out through additional tests. Often, an ultrasound is used to confirm the MASLD diagnosis.
6. There are currently no medications available to treat people with MASLD. The good news is there are steps you can take to improve the health of your liver. These include:
   • Eating a healthy diet
   • Losing weight if you’re overweight or obese
   • Doing some sort of physical activity every day
   • Controlling your diabetes
   • Avoiding or at least limiting alcohol intake
   • Only taking medicines that you need, and carefully follow dosing recommendations
   • Trying to lower your cholesterol and triglycerides
7. The more severe form of MASLD is called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)*. Most people with MASH are between the ages of 40 and 60. It is more common in women than in men. Like MASLD, MASH often has no symptoms and people can have it for years before symptoms occur. MASH is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis in adults in the United States. Up to 25% of adults with NASH may have cirrhosis.

If you learn that you have MASLD or MASH, you will have a lot of questions.  The American Liver Foundation is here to help.

Download the brochure here.

*Steatosis used to be known as fatty liver.

*Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) used to be known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

*Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) used to be known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Medically reviewed on April 2025.

Last updated on June 12th, 2025 at 12:14 pm