5 Organizations That Can Educate You About MASH and Empower You
Left untreated, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) can lead to serious liver damage. These resources can help you protect your liver and be your own advocate.
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatohepatitis (MASH) occurs when excess fat cells build up in the liver, leading to inflammation and liver damage. It’s most common in people who have certain conditions associated with abnormal metabolism, including:
MASH, which was previously known as non–alcohol related steatohepatitis (NASH), is often asymptomatic or leads to nonspecific symptoms, making progression to more severe stages of liver disease possible before you’re even aware you have it. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself about MASH as soon as you receive a diagnosis — and take steps to protect your liver from further harm. These resources are at your disposal.
1. American Liver Foundation
Founded in 1976, the American Liver Foundation (ALF) is one of the leading proponents of education, support, and research for all things liver health. Their goal is to help advance efforts that seek to prevent, treat, and find a cure for chronic liver diseases, including MASH.
For more information, you can also contact the ALF’s help center by calling the toll-free helpline at 1-800-GO-LIVER (1-800-465-4837) or through live chat on their website. You can also connect with the ALF on:
The Fatty Liver Alliance is a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading awareness about how early diagnosis and treatment of fatty liver diseases (including MASH) can prevent complications later on.
The Fatty Liver Alliance’s website provides educational information on fatty liver disease, including video content featuring experts discussing the latest topics and trends in the field. The Alliance is also often involved in petitions that advocate for increased access to potential MASH treatments specifically for Canadians.
Keep in touch with the Fatty Liver Alliance through:
Since 2014 the Global Liver Institute (GLI) has been working to improve the lives of those affected by liver diseases such as MASH.
This nonprofit organization is home to the Fatty Liver Disease Council, which champions fatty liver diseases, such as MASH, as a prominent health concern. The GLI is home to the Liver Action Network, which helps unite advocates to work toward the goal of advancing liver health initiatives at the local, state, national, and global levels. Additionally, the GLI provides advocacy training to help people become more effective advocates for liver health. They also offer information specifically for veterans about liver disease.
Since 2018 GLI has also hosted Global Fatty Liver Day every June to help raise awareness about the risks of fatty liver disease, promote lifestyle changes to support liver health, and encourage screening.
Keep in touch with the GLI by calling (800) 845-5910, emailing info@globalliver.org, or following them on:
The Community Liver Alliance (CLA) has been working since 2013 to provide awareness and educational opportunities for people with liver disease, while also supporting research and advocacy efforts.
This Pittsburgh-based organization offers videos encouraging people to stay active and eat healthy. They also develop educational materials, host workshops, coordinate support groups, and facilitate medical care for people affected by liver diseases, such as MASH. You can also find information on their website about upcoming clinical trials.
If you’re looking for social support, MyMashteam has you covered. Sign up for free to access educational materials, Q&As, and a community that offers emotional support and solidarity for people living with MASH. To stay on top of the latest from myMASHteam, get their newsletter delivered straight to your inbox.
Jonathan Stine, MD, MSc, FACP, is an associate professor of medicine and public health science at Penn State in State College, Pennsylvania.
As an internationally recognized liver expert with a research and clinical focus on metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and exercise, he has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, including multinational consensus guidelines.
Dr. Stine is the recipient of multiple research grants and awards from the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the American Cancer Society, and has maintained continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health since 2018.
Stine is the MASLD consultant to the American College of Sports Medicine’s “Exercise is Medicine” initiative, and recently co-chaired the International Roundtable on MASLD and Physical Activity for ACSM. He serves as the Fatty Liver Program director as well as the Liver Center Research director for Penn State.
Kerry Weiss is a New York–based freelance writer, editor, and content strategist specializing in health and wellness. She has contributed to a variety of online publications, including Healthline, WebMD, Sharecare, Twill Care, and What to Expect.
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH). Cleveland Clinic. May 3, 2022.
