Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

NASH is a more aggressive form of fatty liver disease — not only does fat build up in the liver, but the liver becomes inflamed and starts developing scar tissue. This can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. NASH is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, and the most effective treatment is sustained weight loss of 7–10% of body weight.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive inflammatory subtype of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterised histologically by hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and lobular inflammation, with or without fibrosis. It carries a 20% risk of progression to cirrhosis over 10–20 years if untreated and is strongly associated with central obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidaemia. As of 2023, the nomenclature has shifted toward metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), though NASH remains the more widely recognised term clinically. Weight loss of 7–10% through lifestyle intervention or pharmacotherapy remains the cornerstone of management.

Because NASH can silently progress to irreversible liver damage, early detection through metabolic screening is critical — Accord Medical’s weight management programme includes comprehensive liver health assessment.