Steatotic liver disease is an umbrella term, encompassing various causes of liver fat accumulation. The disease is reversible in the earlier stages and irreversible by the later stages, meaning a diagnosis of steatotic liver disease can be fluid.

Source: https://landmarkgi.com/understanding-fatty-liver-disease/

Healthy liver: a liver that is fully functioning without any buildup of fat or inflammation

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): Excess fat accumulation (steatosis) represents the initial stress on the liver; at this stage, reversal to a healthy liver is possible with appropriate lifestyle and metabolic interventions.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH): Excess fat accumulation (steatosis) accompanied by inflammation further stresses the liver; at this stage, reversal to MASLD or a healthy liver is possible with appropriate interventions.

MASH with fibrosis: Fat accumulation and persistent inflammation lead to the development of scar tissue (fibrosis), further stressing the liver; at this stage, reversal to MASLD or a healthy liver is still possible with early and effective intervention.

MASH with Cirrhosis: Advanced fibrosis where the liver is severely scarred and permanently damaged; at this stage, reversal to MASH with fibrosis, MASLD, or a healthy liver is highly unlikely.

• Compensated cirrhosis: when the liver is scarred but still able to perform most of its basic functions at some level, most people with compensated cirrhosis do not show symptoms

• Decompensated cirrhosis: when the liver is scarred to the point where it can no longer perform its basic functions, most people with decompensated cirrhosis show symptoms of liver failure and will eventually need a transplant

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): the most common form of primary liver cancer, occurs in the presence of continued inflammation

Need more help? 

Use The Wellness League Search Tool below to find free and low cost programs in your community to learn more about healthy eating or find a food pantry. On the search page, simply enter your zip code and the resource you’re looking to find like “nutrition education” or “food pantry”.