In short
Fatty liver means extra fat is stored inside the liver cells. When it is linked to weight, blood sugar, blood pressure or blood fats, doctors call it MASLD.
A healthy liver holds a little fat. When fat makes up more than about 5% of the liver, it is called steatosis, or fatty liver.
MASLD stands for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. "Metabolic" means it comes with problems such as overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure or high triglycerides.
It is the most common liver condition in the world. Most people have no symptoms, so it is often found by chance on a blood test or ultrasound.
Related questions
- What is MASH, and how is it different?
- Why did the name change from NAFLD to MASLD?
- Is fatty liver serious?
Sources
- Rinella ME, et al. A multisociety Delphi consensus statement on new fatty liver disease nomenclature. J Hepatol 2023;79:1542–56. Link
- 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.