Current understanding and future perspectives on the impact of changing NAFLD to MAFLD on global epidemiology and clinical outcomes

Introduction: For the first time in nearly half a century, fatty liver disease has undergone a change in name and definition, from the exclusive term, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), to the inclusion-based, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This has led investigators across the globe to evaluate the impact the nomenclature change has had on the epidemiology and natural history of the disease.

Methods: This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview on how the shift in name and diagnostic criteria has influenced point prevalence in different geographic regions, as well as morbidity and mortality risk, whilst highlighting gaps in the literature that need to be addressed.

Conclusions: MAFLD prevalence is higher than NAFLD prevalence, carries a higher risk of overall mortality, with greater granularity in risk-stratification amongst MAFLD subtypes.