MASLD/MASH and Weight Loss

Publish date: September 26, 2023

Slideshow Below.

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), affects about 20% to 30% of the world population. About 1 in 4 of these patients have metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH; formerly known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis)—which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.

Although they affect the liver, these conditions are associated with extrahepatic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease, which contribute to poor outcomes. Evidence has shown that weight loss is a key intervention for reduction of steatosis, MASH, and fibrosis in both lean and obese patients with MASLD. Modifications recommended for weight loss include potential pharmacological, surgical, or endoscopic approaches (in cases of severe obesity) that can prevent progression of MASLD as well as improve diabetes and reduce cardiovascular events.^1-3

Pharmacotherapy^10-13
There are no FDA-approved medications for MASLD. However, many pharmacologic therapies for T2DM and weight loss may be beneficial to the liver and should be considered in select patients. These drugs have additional extrahepatic effects such as improvement in insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk reduction. These drugs have been studied in phase 2 trials in patients with NAFLD (now called MASLD) or in T2DM and have not yet received FDA approval for MASLD.
^aDepending on dosage of drug.

References

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MASLD/MASH and Weight Loss

References

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