UNDERSTANDING MASH

Unravel myths, recognize symptoms, and advocate for your liver health

ABOUT MASH

Over 250 million people worldwide are living with MASH¹.

1 in 3 people living with overweight or obesity may also be living with MASH².

MASH affects 1 in 3 people living with Type 2 Diabetes¹.

What is MASH?

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a slow-progressing disease caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver. Chronic fat accumulation can lead to liver inflammation and scarring of liver cells.

People living with MASH often have many other health-related comorbidities – obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, prediabetes, cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol are all risk factors that make people more likely to develop MASH^3,4. 

Of those who are currently overweight or living with obesity, more than one in three are also living with MASH¹, while cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in people with MASH⁵.

Often known as a ‘silent disease’, MASH affects more than 250 million people worldwide¹ and can present with few or no specific symptoms, especially in its early stages. This means it takes longer to receive a diagnosis⁶ and if left untreated, irreversible complications can occur.

About MASH

From NASH to MASH - what the change in name means

You may have known it as NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), but the medical community is now transitioning to the term MASH, which stands for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.

Similarly, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) is now being referred to as MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease).

This change, initiated by leading liver health organizations⁷, more accurately describes the condition’s link to metabolic health. The new terminology also reflects a commitment to using precise and inclusive language.

Your liver health journey: Key insights into MASH

Knowing the facts about MASH is the first step towards protecting your liver health. Explore our site and resources to learn more about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

Symptoms

MASH can quietly progress without noticeable symptoms, making early detection crucial.

Recognise the symptoms

Diagnosis

A few simple tests are needed to identify whether you are living with MASH and the severity of the disease.

Explore the diagnosis

Treatment

There are limited treatment options for MASH, but the starting point for most is to adopt a healthy diet and active lifestyle.

See treatment options

What is liver fibrosis?

Liver fibrosis develops when scar tissue accumulates due to ongoing inflammation.

What is the difference between MASLD and MASH?

MASH is an advanced form of MASLD. 20% of people living with MASLD progress to MASH.

Is MASH hereditary?

Explore the link between genetics, lifestyle, and the development of MASH.

Younossi ZM, Golabi P, Paik JM, et al. The global epidemiology of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH): a systematic review. Hepatology: 2023;77:1335-1347:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36626630/ Last accessed: September 2024
Quek J, Chan KE, Wong ZY, et al. Global prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in the overweight and obese population: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2023;8:20-30: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36400097/ Last accessed: September 2024
Muthiah MD, Cheng Han N and Sanyal AJ. A clinical overview of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A guide to diagnosis, the clinical features, and complications-What the non-specialist needs to know. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24 Suppl 2:3-14: https://dom-pubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/dom.14521  Last accessed: October 2024
Nendouvhada LP, Sibuyi NRS, Fadaka AO, et al. Phytonanotherapy for the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2024;25: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/11/5571 Last accessed: October 2024
Vanni E, Marengo A, Mezzabotta L, et al. Systemic Complications of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: When the Liver Is Not an Innocent Bystander. Semin Liver Dis. 2015;35:236-49: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26378641/ Last accessed: October 2024
Ofosu A, Ramai D, Reddy M. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: controlling an emerging epidemic, challenges, and future directions. Ann Gastroenterol. 2018;31:288-295: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5924851/  Last accessed: September 2024
Mary E Rinella, A multisociety Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37363821/ Last accessed: September 2024