What Is Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease? (original) (raw)

What is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)?

Steatotic (fatty) liver disease (SLD) occurs when your body begins storing fat in your liver. Some fat in your liver is normal, but when more than 10% of your liver’s weight is fat, it may begin to suffer. Excessive alcohol use is one common reason for SLD. But many people develop it without using alcohol. This is called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).

How common is this condition?

MASLD affects up to 25% of people worldwide. Most people won’t have symptoms, and some may never know they have the condition. But 2% to 5% of people will experience complications from the fat in their livers. When fat leads to inflammation and cell damage in your liver, it’s called steatohepatitis. The non-alcohol related version is called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Previously, MASH was known as non-alcohol related steatohepatitis (NASH).

Who does MASLD affect?

It can affect anyone, including all ages and races. But it’s more common in people of Hispanic descent and less common in Black people. Middle age, weight and diabetes are also commonly associated with MASLD. For example, up to 75% of people who have obesity or diabetes, and up to 90% of people who have advanced or class III obesity, have MASLD.