Assistant Professor of Medicine Boston Medical Center Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Boston, MA
Slideshow Below.
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affects about 20% to 30% of the world population. About 1 in 4 of these patients have metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH; formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis)—which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Although they affect the liver, these conditions are associated with extrahepatic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, which contribute to poor outcomes. Evidence has shown that weight loss is a key intervention for reduction of steatosis, MASH, and fibrosis in both lean and obese patients with MASLD. Modifications recommended for weight loss include potential pharmacological, surgical, or endoscopic approaches (in cases of severe obesity) that can prevent progression of MASLD as well as improve diabetes and reduce cardiovascular events.1-3
