Understanding MASLD & MASH: A Patient-Friendly Guide

Why Your Liver Matters

Your liver is one of the hardest-working organs in your body.

It helps:

• Clean your blood
• Turn food into energy
• Support digestion
• Store nutrients
• Remove harmful substances

Many people with early liver disease feel completely normal. That’s why understanding liver health is especially important as we age.

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Updated Liver Health Terms You Should Know

You may have previously heard the terms NAFLD (Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease) or NASH (Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis).

Doctors now use updated names that better reflect what causes these conditions.

Previous Term	New Term
NAFLD	MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease)
NASH	MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis)

These new names focus on the role that metabolic health plays in liver disease.

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What is MASLD?

MASLD occurs when:

✔ Fat builds up in the liver AND ✔ A person has at least one metabolic risk factor such as:

• Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Excess body weight
• Insulin resistance

MASLD is now the most common form of chronic liver disease.

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What is MASH?

MASH is a more serious form of MASLD.

It happens when:

✔ Fat is present in the liver AND ✔ Inflammation develops

Over time, this inflammation can lead to:

• Liver scarring (fibrosis)
• Advanced scarring (cirrhosis)
• Liver failure
• Liver cancer

Not everyone with MASLD develops MASH.

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How Liver Disease Can Progress

Liver disease often develops slowly over time:

1. Healthy Liver
2. Fat buildup (Steatosis)
3. MASLD
4. MASH
5. Fibrosis (scar tissue)
6. Cirrhosis

Early stages may not cause symptoms.

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Common Risk Factors for MASLD & MASH

You may be at higher risk if you have:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Prediabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• High triglycerides
• Extra weight around the abdomen

Symptoms May Include:

Many people have no symptoms early on.

As disease progresses, symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Unexplained weight changes

Advanced disease may lead to:

• Swelling in legs or abdomen
• Confusion
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)

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How Doctors Diagnose MASLD & MASH

Your provider may use:

• Medical history review
• Blood tests
• Imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI)
• Fibrosis testing
• Liver biopsy (in some cases)

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What Can Help Protect Your Liver?

Healthy daily habits can slow or prevent progression.

Nutrition Tips

• Eat balanced meals with vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains
• Limit highly processed foods
• Choose healthy fats like olive oil and nuts
• Reduce added sugars
• Stay hydrated

Lifestyle Tips

• Aim for regular physical activity
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Limit alcohol use
• Manage diabetes and blood pressure

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Is There a Cure?

Currently, there is no single medication that cures MASLD or MASH.

However:

• Early stages can often improve
• Liver fat and inflammation may be reduced
• Progression can be slowed

Treatment usually focuses on:

• Lifestyle changes
• Managing related conditions (diabetes, cholesterol, blood pressure)

In advanced cases, medical treatments, procedures, or liver transplant may be needed.

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When Should You Talk to Your Doctor?

Speak with your healthcare provider if you:

• Feel unusually tired
• Notice unexplained weight loss
• Experience abdominal discomfort
• Develop swelling in your legs or abdomen
• Notice yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Have ongoing nausea or loss of appetite
• Always ask your healthcare provider for specific advice on when to call to report symptoms, and when to seek urgent/emergency care.  

You should also talk to your doctor if you have:

• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• A history of metabolic conditions

Regular check-ups can help detect liver concerns early. Early action can slow or stop progression.

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Why Early Detection Matters

MASLD often causes no symptoms in early stages.

Early identification allows for:

• Better management
• Slower disease progression
• Improved overall health

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Key Takeaway

MASLD and MASH are closely linked to metabolic health.

Improving overall health can help protect your liver.

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Medical Disclaimer

This educational resource is intended for general informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should always consult their physician, dietitian, or healthcare provider before making changes to diet, medications, or treatment plans. Individual health needs may vary. Call 911 if you are experiencing a medical emergency.

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Sources:

• https://cdn.bcm.edu/sites/default/files/nafld-nash-patient-brochure.pdf
• https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-features-and-diagnosis-of-metabolic-dysfunction-associated-steatotic-liver-disease-nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease-in-adults?search=nafld&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1