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Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Learn more about symptoms, risk factors and treatment options.

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What is it?

MASLD (previously called Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, or NAFLD) occurs when an excessive amount of fat accumulates in the liver of people who consume minimal to no alcohol. MASLD is very common, affecting as many as 100 million people in the U.S. It’s now the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.

All livers contain some fat. Normal fat levels in the liver are between 5 and 10 percent. If your liver has more fat than that, you may have MASLD. Fatty liver disease can also be caused by alcohol consumption over time, which is called alcoholic fatty liver disease (now known as MetALD). While these conditions have different causes, you can have both MASLD and AFLD at the same time.

About 25% of people with MASLD will get nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), also referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which damages the liver. MASLD increases your risk of developing heart disease, liver cancer and cirrhosis (permanent scarring of the liver).

Symptoms

MASLD is a “silent” disease, meaning it typically has no noticeable symptoms.

When to see a doctor

If you have risk factors for MASLD, it’s time to see a doctor. Early detection, diagnosis and treatment can prevent MASLD from progressing to NASH.

Causes and risk factors

We don’t know for sure what causes MASLD, but certain conditions raise your risk of getting it. The most common cause of MASLD is metabolic syndrome, which refers to a combination of conditions: obesity, diabetes, elevated cholesterol and high blood pressure. 

Other risk factors for MASLD include:

  • High triglyceride levels in the blood
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Sleep apnea
  • Underactive thyroid
  • Underactive pituitary gland

Treatment options

If you have MASLD with no symptoms, treatment may not be needed. Your doctor may recommend the below lifestyle changes to prevent additional fatty buildup:

  • Lose extra weight
  • Eat a healthy diet
  • Get regular exercise
  • Treat diabetes (with medication, if needed)
  • Reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood (with medication, if needed)
  • Avoid alcohol

 

It’s also important to speak with your doctor about other medications you’re taking that may affect your liver.

 

Testing

Your doctor can help you determine if you have MASLD. They may recommend the following tests or procedures:

  • Liver biopsy
  • Imaging tests
  • Blood test

 

Prevention

You can treat or prevent many causes of MASLD. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors and how to address them.

 

If you develop MASLD, you may be able to prevent it from getting worse with lifestyle changes. Work with your doctor to develop a healthy fatty liver disease diet.

 

Additional conditions

Hepatitis C

HPV & Anal Cancer

Gastroparesis