What's Going On?
If you’ve been diagnosed with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), you might have heard that the names have changed. NAFLD is now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and NASH is now called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
The change is mainly in the name—your condition hasn’t changed. MASLD still refers to a buildup of fat in the liver that isn’t caused by alcohol. MASH still means the more advanced form, where the fat buildup has caused inflammation and liver damage. This change also introduces a new term: metabolic dysfunction-associated alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD). MetALD describes liver disease in people who have both metabolic risk factors and significant alcohol use, acknowledging that liver disease can have multiple contributing factors.
There are a few reasons for the switch. One big reason is stigma. The old terms included the word “nonalcoholic,” which sometimes made people feel blamed for their condition. The new names focus on what’s actually causing the issue—metabolic dysfunction—rather than what isn’t.
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and other experts wanted a name that better reflects the science behind the disease. Since metabolic factors (like obesity, diabetes, and insulin resistance) play a huge role, the new terms put the focus there. Click on the image above to be taken to AASLD's website where you can explore more information about the process.
For now, there aren’t many immediate changes in how your condition is diagnosed or treated. But you might notice some confusion in doctor’s offices, support groups, and online resources as people adjust to the new names. It’s hard to predict all the effects, but hopefully, the transition will be smooth and won’t disrupt access to care or treatments.
If you see both sets of names being used for a while, don’t worry—you’re not alone! It’s just part of the process of change.