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VOL. 8, ISSUE 3 (2026)
Redefining fatty liver disease: Understanding the shift from NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) to MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease)
Authors
Souvik Tewari, Enakshi Raychowdhury, Rituparna Nandy, Ankita Sengupta, Shilpa Saha
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)
represents the updated terminology replacing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD), reflecting a significant advancement in the understanding of fatty
liver disorders. Introduced through an international consensus in 2023, MASLD
emphasizes the central role of metabolic dysfunction rather than defining the
condition by the absence of alcohol consumption. This change aims to reduce
stigma, improve diagnostic accuracy, and align disease nomenclature with
current scientific evidence. MASLD is characterized by hepatic steatosis in
individuals with one or more cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity,
type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, or insulin resistance. It
is now recognized as the most common chronic liver disease globally and is
closely associated with cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and
metabolic syndrome. The transition from NAFLD to MASLD also introduces updated
classifications, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis
(MASH), replacing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This article discusses
the rationale behind the nomenclature change, diagnostic criteria,
epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical implications, and future directions in
the management of MASLD. Understanding this evolving terminology is essential
for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to improve patient
care and promote standardized clinical practice.
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Pages:24-31
How to cite this article:
Souvik Tewari, Enakshi Raychowdhury, Rituparna Nandy, Ankita Sengupta, Shilpa Saha "Redefining fatty liver disease: Understanding the shift from NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) to MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease)". International Journal of Medical Science and Clinical Research, Vol 8, Issue 3, 2026, Pages 24-31
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