Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – a challenging health problem of the 21st century

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects about 25% of the general population and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. NAFLD is a complex pathology, currently considered to be the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. In this regard, in 2020, a new nomenclature was proposed for NAFLD, namely “metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease” (MAFLD), which in 2023 was updated to “metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease” (MASLD). The development and progression of NAFLD are closely related to an unhealthy lifestyle, making lifestyle interventions (weight loss, diet, physical activity) key elements in the treatment of the disease. All these are aspects that emphasize the importance of the dietitian as a healthcare professional who acts as the first line in the prevention, screening and management of NAFLD.