Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)
The inflammatory, progressive form of fatty liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis — weight loss of 7–10% is the most effective treatment.
Plain English
Patient-Friendly Explanation
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.
Medical
Clinical Definition
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.
Key Insight
Why It Matters
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.
Sources
Reviewed against standard medical references.
Medically reviewed by
Family Physician & Registered Acupuncturist, Accord Medical Clinic. MBBS (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine (NUS), Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture (Singapore College of TCM).
Last reviewed: August 2026
This page is general health education, not medical advice. Whether any treatment is appropriate for you is a decision made in consultation after assessment.