Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a common liver disease that affects people who drink little or no alcohol. MASLD develops when fat builds up in the liver because of common conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

Because these metabolic conditions are at the root of the disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now being used more often than nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MASLD is more than just fat in the liver. It can progress to a more serious form of liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which was formerly called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Over time, MASH can lead to complications such as heart disease, kidney conditions, liver scarring, also called fibrosis, or even liver failure and the need for a liver transplant.

Two medicines have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition and may be prescribed depending on liver disease severity. Lifestyle changes remain the main way to prevent, manage and sometimes reverse MASLD.

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Oct. 08, 2025