JAMA Medical News The Common Liver Disease You've Never Heard Of
Nov 14, 2025
Rita Rubin, Lead Senior Staff Writer for JAMA Medical News, dives deep into metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This common yet underrecognized condition affects a significant portion of U.S. adults. Rubin explains the recent name change from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to reduce stigma, and discusses the alarming progression risks it poses, including cirrhosis and liver cancer. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent severity, along with new drug approvals boosting treatment options.
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MASLD Is Widespread And Serious
- MASLD is extremely common, affecting roughly a third of adults in the U.S. and worldwide.
- Left untreated, about 13%–18% of people with MASLD may progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Reporter’s Personal Discovery
- Rita Rubin admits she had not heard of MASLD before reporting the story.
- This personal example illustrates how even clinicians and journalists may miss this common disease.
Name Change Reflects Broader Understanding
- The disease was renamed from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to MASLD to reduce stigma and improve clarity.
- MASLD now is a leading reason for liver transplant and is linked to cardiovascular disease, cancers, and type 2 diabetes.