Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) develops when fat builds up in your liver. Over time, it can become more severe and cause inflammation and other damage to your liver.
Experts renamed NAFLD as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). They made this change for accuracy and to reduce the stigma associated with the condition.
MASLD may get more severe over time and cause inflammation, damage, and scarring in your liver. These effects can raise your risk of complications such as liver failure and liver cancer.
Maintaining a moderate weight and practicing healthy lifestyle changes are essential for preventing and managing MASLD. Some examples of lifestyle changes to practice can include getting more exercise, quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake, or reducing stress. Your doctor may also prescribe medication in some cases.
Click through the progression guide below to learn about the different stages and potential complications of MASLD.
