Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. Unlike alcohol-associated liver disease, MASLD is not caused by excessive alcohol consumption. It is increasingly recognized as a major health burden, affecting millions of individuals worldwide.
The condition can range from simple steatosis, which is generally benign, to more advanced stages, such as steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. MASLD is closely associated with metabolic syndromes, including obesity, diabetes, and dyslipidemia.