MAFLD or MASH? How To Tell the Difference in Stages of Fatty Liver Disease

MAFLD or MASH? How To Tell the Difference in Stages of Fatty Liver Disease

Medically reviewed by Jay N. Yepuri, MDMetabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver.MAFLD can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which, in addition to fat buildup, causes inflammation and fibrosis (scar tissue buildup). Untreated MASH can turn into cirrhosis (severe scarring) and ultimately liver failure.About 24% of adults in the United States have M…