NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) and NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) are time-honored acronyms with widespread acceptance. Experts now recommend discarding them in favour of MASLD for “metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease” and MASH for “metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.” 

In the Journal of Insurance Medicine, Munich Re’s Dr. Tim Meagher explores the reasons behind this nomenclature change and outlines the taxonomy challenge it presents. Dr. Meagher considers whether waiting for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of hepatic fat accumulation and its clinical variants would provide more accurate names. In the meantime, should these acronyms become clinically popular, he cautions that risk assessment manuals will require updating.