In short
For most people it stays mild. But in some it leads to scarring, cirrhosis or liver cancer, and it raises the risk of heart disease in everyone.
The most important sign of how serious it is, is the amount of scarring (fibrosis). Little or no scarring means a low risk of liver problems.
The good news: fat, inflammation and even early scarring can improve when you lose weight and treat diabetes and blood pressure.
Related questions
- Can fatty liver turn into cirrhosis or cancer?
- Why does my heart matter if I have fatty liver?
- How much weight do I need to lose?
Sources
- EASL–EASD–EASO Clinical Practice Guidelines on the management of MASLD. J Hepatol 2024;81:492–542. Link
Last updated 2026-10-03. Based on international and Saudi guidelines. Education only: it does not replace your doctor. Read the disclaimer.