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Rachel V Thomas

NAFLD to MASLD: Experts Explain Why This Common Yet Dangerous Liver Condition Got Renamed

Once widely known as non-alcoholic fatty <span>liver disease</span> (NAFLD), the common and dangerous <span>fatty liver</span> condition was rephrased as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (<span>MASLD</span>) due to its strong link to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes. 

MASLD now includes patients with fatty liver disease linked to metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/glp-1-receptor-agonist-glp-1-drugs-why-not-everyone-taking-ozempic-may-have-lower-blood-sugar-levels-article-154080825" data-type="tilCustomLink" target="_blank">GLP-1 Drugs: Why Not Everyone Taking Ozempic May Have Lower Blood Sugar Levels</a> 

<h2>MASLD: So What Prompted The Change? </h2>

Globally, it was observed that all patients who have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease also have some associated form of metabolic dysfunction. The patients reported having either obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, or cholesterol problems. 

And all these problems eventually lead to significant comorbidities later, like some people developed heart disease, while others developed complications of diabetes. 

In view of these, a global consensus process in 2023 involving hundreds of experts from different countries adopted MASLD as it better reflected these underlying causes of the condition. 

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/lancet-study-shows-metabolic-liver-disease-to-rise-over-38-by-2050-whats-behind-the-surge-article-154073039" data-type="tilCustomLink">Lancet Study Shows Metabolic Liver Disease To Rise Over 38% By 2050: What’s Behind The Surge</a>

MASLD is an umbrella term for liver conditions that develop in the presence of 1 or more cardiometabolic risk factors—including high blood sugar, elevated body mass index (BMI), and hypertension—but in the absence of other causes of liver fat accumulation. 

The condition can be defined by excess liver fat accumulation (more than 5 per cent of liver weight) in the presence of metabolic dysfunction, independent of alcohol intake. 

It encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. 

“Initially, it was thought that having fatty liver disease without alcohol was a benign condition, but now it is recognized that, since it is associated with lots of metabolic comorbidities, it's no longer benign,” Dr. Ashish Kumar, Professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, told HealthandMe.

He stated that whenever a diagnosis of fatty liver is present, "we should actually include other comorbidities, like obesity, dyslipidemia, which means cholesterol problem, diabetes, sugar problem, pre-diabetes, and hypertension. At least 50–70–80 percent of these patients will have one or more of these comorbidities".

<h2>Why Alcohol Is Not The Only Culprit For Fatty Liver </h2>

Although alcohol has remained the number one risk for liver disease, MASLD seems to be rising globally, including among people who do not drink. Why? 

increased consumption of fast and processed food, 

<strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/dipika-kakkar-why-liver-cancer-patients-must-repeat-scans-twice-a-year-doctors-explain-article-154048772" data-type="tilCustomLink">Why Regular Scans Are Crucial for Liver Cancer Patients: Doctors Explain</a> 

The experts noted that food, especially the increasingly accessible junk food or processed food, is a major culprit.

“So even if the person is not drinking alcohol, people are developing addiction to processed food, and this is causing an epidemic level of obesity and diabetes. Consequently, MASLD is also increasing, and now it is becoming the number one cause of liver disease,” Dr Kumar said. 

According to Dr. Sanjay Goja, Director, Liver Transplant &amp; HPB Surgery, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, prevention must focus on following a healthy lifestyle like maintaining a healthy BMI, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a balanced diet. 

Controlling diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure is also important to prevent the risk of MASLD. 

Dr Siddharth Badola, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, suggested sustainable lifestyle changes such as: 

Maintaining an adequate body weight: Even slight weight loss (5–10 percent) has been shown to significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation. 

Liver Disease May Affect 1.8 Bn Globally by 2050: Lancet Study #shorts #shortsfeed #liver

Follow a balanced and nutrient-rich diet: People should focus on consuming whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting refined carbohydrates and processed foods. 

Avoid foods with added sugar: Excess consumption of fructose, commonly found in packaged foods and sugary beverages, is a key contributor to fat accumulation in the liver. 

Engage in regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended to improve insulin sensitivity and liver health. 

Manage associated metabolic conditions: Effective control of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia is essential in reducing the risk of MASLD progression. 

Ensure adequate sleep and stress management: Poor sleep quality and chronic stress can negatively impact metabolic balance and liver function. 

Keep your body hydrated with ample water intake and follow structured meal timings.

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Once widely known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the common and dangerous fatty liver condition was rephrased as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) due to its strong link to metabolic health issues like obesity and diabetes.  MASLD now includes patients with fatty liver disease linked to metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension.Also Read: GLP-1 Drugs: Why Not Everyone Taking Ozempic May Have Lower Blood Sugar Levels MASLD: So What Prompted The Change?  Globally, it was observed that all patients who have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease also have some associated form of metabolic dysfunction. The patients reported having either obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hypertension, or cholesterol problems. And all these problems eventually lead to significant comorbidities later, like some people developed heart disease, while others developed complications of diabetes.  In view of these, a global consensus process in 2023 involving hundreds of experts from different countries adopted MASLD as it better reflected these underlying causes of the condition. What Does MASLD Mean? Also read: Lancet Study Shows Metabolic Liver Disease To Rise Over 38% By 2050: What’s Behind The SurgeMASLD is an umbrella term for liver conditions that develop in the presence of 1 or more cardiometabolic risk factors—including high blood sugar, elevated body mass index (BMI), and hypertension—but in the absence of other causes of liver fat accumulation.  The condition can be defined by excess liver fat accumulation (more than 5 per cent of liver weight) in the presence of metabolic dysfunction, independent of alcohol intake.  It encompasses a spectrum from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.  “Initially, it was thought that having fatty liver disease without alcohol was a benign condition, but now it is recognized that, since it is associated with lots of metabolic comorbidities, it's no longer benign,” Dr. Ashish Kumar, Professor of gastroenterology and hepatology at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, told HealthandMe.He stated that whenever a diagnosis of fatty liver is present, "we should actually include other comorbidities, like obesity, dyslipidemia, which means cholesterol problem, diabetes, sugar problem, pre-diabetes, and hypertension. At least 50–70–80 percent of these patients will have one or more of these comorbidities".Why Alcohol Is Not The Only Culprit For Fatty Liver Although alcohol has remained the number one risk for liver disease, MASLD seems to be rising globally, including among people who do not drink. Why?  The reasons include: a sedentary lifestyle, increased consumption of fast and processed food, lack of exercise,lack of sleep, stressful life. Also read: Why Regular Scans Are Crucial for Liver Cancer Patients: Doctors Explain The experts noted that food, especially the increasingly accessible junk food or processed food, is a major culprit.“So even if the person is not drinking alcohol, people are developing addiction to processed food, and this is causing an epidemic level of obesity and diabetes. Consequently, MASLD is also increasing, and now it is becoming the number one cause of liver disease,” Dr Kumar said. How To Prevent MASLD?According to Dr. Sanjay Goja, Director, Liver Transplant & HPB Surgery, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, prevention must focus on following a healthy lifestyle like maintaining a healthy BMI, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a balanced diet. Controlling diabetes, cholesterol, and blood pressure is also important to prevent the risk of MASLD. Dr Siddharth Badola, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, suggested sustainable lifestyle changes such as:  Maintaining an adequate body weight: Even slight weight loss (5–10 percent) has been shown to significantly reduce liver fat and inflammation.          Follow a balanced and nutrient-rich diet: People should focus on consuming whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting refined carbohydrates and processed foods.  Avoid foods with added sugar: Excess consumption of fructose, commonly found in packaged foods and sugary beverages, is a key contributor to fat accumulation in the liver. Engage in regular physical activity: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week is recommended to improve insulin sensitivity and liver health. Manage associated metabolic conditions: Effective control of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia is essential in reducing the risk of MASLD progression. Ensure adequate sleep and stress management: Poor sleep quality and chronic stress can negatively impact metabolic balance and liver function.  Keep your body hydrated with ample water intake and follow structured meal timings.

nafld to masld: experts explain why this common yet dangerous liver condition got renamed

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