Health topic · Liver health
Fatty liver disease (MASLD)
Fatty liver disease is a build-up of fat in the liver, often linked to weight and metabolic health. Learn how it is found, which tests are used and what helps.
Written by LON6EVITY Editorial Team · Last updated
Overview
Fatty liver disease not caused by alcohol was long called NAFLD and is now also referred to as MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). The NHS describes it as a range of conditions caused by fat building up in the liver.
Why it matters
Most people have no symptoms in the early stage. In some people it can progress to inflammation and scarring of the liver, according to NIDDK and the NHS.
How it is found
It is often picked up when liver blood tests such as ALT are raised, or on an ultrasound done for another reason. Normal liver blood tests do not rule it out.
What helps
The NHS and NIDDK highlight losing weight if overweight, regular activity, a healthy diet and managing blood sugar and cholesterol.
Factors that can affect the result
- Excess weight
- Type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
- High cholesterol or triglycerides
- High blood pressure
Questions people commonly ask
- Can liver blood tests be normal with fatty liver?
- Yes. Imaging or other assessments are sometimes needed; a doctor decides which.
Related biomarkers
Related tests
Related topics
Understand your biomarkers in context
What does this mean for your own health data? Log your results, follow trends over time and bring an organised summary to your next doctor's appointment.
Sources
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NHS.
- NAFLD & NASH. NIDDK.