New Concept of Fatty Liver: Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

Abstract

In 2020, a new concept of fatty liver disease, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), has been suggested by the International Expert Panel consisting of 32 specialists from 22 countries. MAFLD is fatty liver coexisting with "obesity," "type 2 diabetes," or "two or more metabolic disorders." Metabolic abnormalities are key risk factors for the advancement of fatty liver disease, and MAFLD appears to be beneficial in identifying people at high risk. I outlined the properties of MAFLD herein. I also discussed the link between MAFLD and liver-related and extrahepatic events such as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and extrahepatic cancers. In addition, I discuss the impact of MAFLD on fatty liver disease awareness, disputes, and future developments in fatty liver nomenclature.