NAFLDMAFLD

NAFLDMAFLD is a term used in some medical discussions to describe the overlap between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). It functions as a conceptual umbrella rather than a formally defined syndrome in most guidelines, highlighting that many patients meet criteria for both definitions and that the two frameworks share a common pathophysiology.

Definitions and overlap: NAFLD historically required hepatic steatosis in the absence of significant alcohol intake and other causes of liver fat accumulation. MAFLD, by contrast, requires hepatic steatosis plus evidence of metabolic dysfunction such as overweight or obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic syndrome. The NAFLDMAFLD concept emphasizes that patients with fatty liver frequently satisfy both sets of criteria, and that research cohorts may span both labeling schemes. In practice, the designation used often depends on the context, clinician preference, and the aims of the study.

Clinical implications: Because the two frameworks describe overlapping disease, clinical management focuses on metabolic risk factors (weight loss, glucose and lipid control, blood pressure) and liver-directed care for steatosis and fibrosis. Diagnostic and epidemiologic estimates can differ depending on which terminology is applied, complicating cross-study comparisons.

Status and controversy: There is ongoing debate about whether to unify the nomenclature or retain separate terms to reflect distinct emphasis on metabolic dysfunction versus alcohol-related factors. Major liver disease guidelines have not adopted NAFLDMAFLD as a formal category; it remains primarily a topic of academic discussion and integrated analyses.

Notes: NAFLDMAFLD illustrates how nomenclature can influence research design and patient management in fatty liver disease. See also NAFLD and MAFLD.