Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): Understanding a Serious Fatty Liver Disease
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver condition that develops when fat buildup in the liver causes inflammation and cellular damage. It belongs to a broader group of liver disorders known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol.
NASH represents the more severe stage of fatty liver disease and can lead to long-term liver complications if not properly managed.
What Is NASH?
NASH occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells and triggers inflammation. Over time, this inflammation damages liver tissue and may result in fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, or even liver cancer in advanced cases.
The condition is increasingly linked to metabolic health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and insulin resistance.
Today, NASH is often referred to as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), reflecting its strong connection with metabolic disorders.