What is NAFLD - MASLD?
NAFLD - MASLD
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD/MASLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in teenagers, affecting 1 out of 6. It is caused by excess fat that accumulates in the liver and happens more frequently if you are overweight. It can progress to more severe forms of liver disease, including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis or even liver cancer. However, the good news is that NAFLD/MASLD is reversible in the early stages. This is why it is so important to become aware when you are young, so you can reverse it or prevent it from getting worse.
How does fat get into the liver?
When you consume more calories than your body needs, your fat cells can get overwhelmed. The extra fat goes to the liver and other organs. More and more fat can build up in the liver if you continue to gain weight.
What causes NAFLD/MASLD?
What does the liver do?
NAFLD - MASLD is caused by a combination of your body weight and your genetics. NAFLD - MASLD is more common if you have any of the following diseases or if they are in your family:
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (insulin resistance)
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
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NAFLD/MASLD is more common in people with Hispanic ethnicities, and less common in people of African descent.
The liver is an essential organ involved in many metabolic processes including:
- Removal of waste from the blood
- Production of vital proteins and hormones
- Metabolism of macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate, fat)
- Storage of carbohydrates for energy
- Blood clotting
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Keeping your liver healthy is essential for your overall health and wellbeing.
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Stages of NAFLD - MASLD
Healthy liver
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL)
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
(NASH)
1. NAFL (simple steatosis): This is the earliest stage of fat build up in the liver with no inflammation or liver damage.
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2. NASH (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis): This is a more severe stage of NAFLD - MASLD with inflammation and liver damage.
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3. Fibrotic NASH: This is where liver inflammation and damage leads to scar tissue known as fibrosis. It can be mild, moderate or severe.
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4. Cirrhosis: This is the most severe form of fibrosis and is not reversible.
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NAFLD - MASLD is reversible at all stages except cirrhosis.