Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Description

The buildup of liver fat in people who drink little or no alcohol.

Overview

The cause of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly called nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is not known. Risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol and type 2 diabetes. Some people with MASLD can develop a serious type of liver disease called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

Symptoms

Most people with MASLD have no symptoms. Others may have fatigue or pain, or they may lose weight. Sometimes, people have irritation and swelling, known as inflammation, and scarring, called cirrhosis. These symptoms can lead to liver failure or liver cancer.

Treatments

No treatment is available for MASLD. Instead, healthcare professionals treat risk factors for MASLD, such as obesity or diabetes.

To treat obesity that may be causing MASLD:

• Lose weight.
• Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats.
• Exercise regularly.

Weight-loss surgery may be an option for some people.