Patient-Friendly Explanation

MASLD is the new name for what was previously called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) – a build-up of fat in the liver linked to being overweight, diabetes, and high cholesterol. It is very common and often causes no symptoms, but it can progress to liver damage if untreated. Losing weight is one of the most effective ways to reverse it.

Clinical Definition

MASLD is a steatotic liver disease defined by hepatic steatosis of at least 5% on imaging or histology plus at least one cardiometabolic risk factor (overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidaemia), replacing NAFLD with a positive metabolic definition. It ranges from simple steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma; weight loss of 7-10% or more improves steatosis and inflammation, and greater loss is associated with fibrosis regression.

Why It Matters

MASLD is now one of the world most common chronic liver conditions, and weight loss is the cornerstone of treatment. The NuLifeCare programme helps patients achieve the weight reduction that protects their liver.