MASLD

(Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease)

MASLD is a common condition where fat builds up in the liver. It is often linked to being overweight and conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Also called: Non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Find out about the different names for MASLD

The information on this page is for:

Adults or young people with MASLD or at risk of MASLD.
Parents of children with MASLD or at risk of MASLD.
Family, friends, carers, and healthcare professionals.

How to say it:

Metabolic = met-uh-BOL-ik

Dysfunction = dis-func-tion

Steatotic = Stee-uh-TOT-ik

People say MASLD as one word that rhymes with ‘dazzled’

Quick Summary

MASLD happens when too much fat builds up in the liver
It is a long-term (chronic) condition that can get worse over time
It is very common and happens in about 1 in 4 adults in the UK
Most people have no symptoms in the early stages
It is often linked to being overweight and conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Some people find out they have MASLD when they are being tested for something else
The main treatments are healthy eating, physical activity, and keeping a healthy weight
Medicines may be used to treat related conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol
Treatments for MASLD are developing quickly and new medicines are becoming available
In some people, MASLD can progress to liver scarring (fibrosis) and this can damage the liver
In a small number of people, MASLD can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure or liver cancer
People with more advanced scarring (fibrosis) or cirrhosis are treated by hospital specialists

Find out more about MASLD using the links below.

Find out more

Information for adults

Information for children and families

Information for adults

What is MASLD?

Symptoms

Stages of MASLD

Treatment

Advanced MASLD

Living with MASLD

Causes

Diagnosis

What happens if I am diagnosed?

Future treatments

MASLD after liver transplant

MASLD and type 2 diabetes

Information for adults to download

MASLD booklet

Diet and activity booklet

Healthy eating factsheet

Questions to ask your doctor

MASLD quick guide factsheet

MASLD and type 2 diabetes factsheet

Being more active factsheet

Frequently asked questions

Information for children and families

MASLD in children

Download the booklet

Useful words

Fatty liver – a liver with a build-up of fat

Fibrosis – a build-up of scar tissue

MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis) – a serious stage of fatty liver disease

MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease) – a liver condition caused by a build-up of fat in the liver

Metabolism – the chemical processes involved in getting and using energy from food

NAFLD (non-alcohol related fatty liver disease) – the old name for a type of liver disease now called MASLD

NASH (non-alcohol related steatohepatitis) – the old name for MASH

Useful words glossary

Support

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This content was last reviewed: July 2026

Our expert reviewers:

We would like to thank everyone who helped with creating and reviewing this page. Including Dr Jeremy Cobbold, Consultant Hepatologist, Oxford University Hospitals, Professor Stuart McPherson, Consultant Hepatologist, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Dr Helen Jarvis, GP, Newcastle University. And all our patient reviewers.

Find out how we make our patient information.

Everyone’s experience of liver disease will be different. Always talk to your specialist medical team for personal advice.