Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in obese youth with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes

Purpose of review: The aim of this review is to present the new definition of the disease, defining the epidemiology, risk factors with a particular attention to the role of insulin resistance (IR) and to define the main treatments explored. Recent findings: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was previously considered a primary liver disease, but it would be more correct to consider it a component of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in which IR might play a key role. Based on these findings, it has been recently proposed to modify the classic term of NAFLD to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) that better reflects the pathophysiology of this complex disease. Summary: Currently, no treatments approved in childhood are available, thus the only recommended approach is the prevention and correction of the known risk factors, and particularly of IR. However, further studies are needed to better clarify the pathogenetic mechanisms of NAFLD in order to establish more tailored therapies.