In short
In 2023, liver societies changed the name to describe the real cause, metabolic problems, and to remove words that felt judgemental.
The old name, NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), described the disease by what it is not. Many patients also found the words "alcoholic" and "fatty" stigmatising.
The new umbrella name is steatotic liver disease (SLD). Under it sit MASLD (metabolic), MetALD (metabolic plus moderate alcohol), and ALD (alcohol-related).
Almost everyone who had NAFLD now has MASLD. Research done under the old name still applies.
Related questions
Sources
- Rinella ME, et al. A multisociety Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature. J Hepatol 2023;79:1542–56. Link
Last updated 2026-10-03. Based on international and Saudi guidelines. Education only: it does not replace your doctor. Read the disclaimer.