MASLD

What does MASLD stand for and how common is it?

MASLD stands for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, the name a 2023 multisociety consensus of 236 panelists from 56 countries chose to replace NAFLD; the new definition requires at least 1 of 5 cardiometabolic risk factors [2]. Using the older names, NIDDK estimates about 24 percent of U.S. adults have NAFLD; studies suggest one-third to two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes have it [1]. When there is also inflammation and liver damage, the condition is called MASH, which can cause fibrosis and may lead to cirrhosis; NIDDK estimates 1.5 percent to 6.5 percent of U.S. adults have NASH [1].

What is the Wegovy MASH approval?

The semaglutide brand Wegovy injection received FDA accelerated approval in August 2025 to treat noncirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced fibrosis, consistent with stages F2 to F3, in adults [3][4]. The label sets the MASH dosage at 2.4 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly [4]. In the ESSENCE trial behind the approval, MASH resolved without worsening fibrosis in 62.9% of patients on semaglutide versus 34.3% on placebo [3]. Continued approval may be contingent on a confirmatory trial, and semaglutide is not approved to treat patients with MASH cirrhosis [3].