NFL Legend Dan Marino Reveals Fatty Liver Disease Diagnosis: Early Signs of MASH and Treatment Options

Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino has revealed he was being treated for fatty liver disease. In a recent interview, Marino said in 2007, he was diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis – also known as MASH. MASH – formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease – is a liver issue that affects people who drink little to no alcohol when too much fat builds up in the liver. The condition causes the liver to swell and become damaged due to the fat deposits in the liver. Marino said his diagnosis came during a routine check-up after he began showing signs of fatigue and tiredness. He added that after ending his 17-year NFL career in 2000, Marino did not pay much attention to his fitness and was not working

out as much as he should. He said that at the time of diagnosis, the doctor told him his condition was reversible, and he could get rid of it by working out regularly and losing weight. Now at 64, Marino takes care of his fitness by exercising daily. Marino said his doctor also recommended a Mediterranean diet to reduce intake of wine, pizza, candy, and ice cream.

What is MASH?

MASH is a serious liver disease that develops when fat builds up in the organ, leading to inflammation and pain. Previously known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, or NASH, can cause cirrhosis or liver cancer if not treated in time. Doctors say MASH is part of a broader group of liver diseases known as MASLD, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. You are likely to develop MASH if you are obese, have type 2 diabetes, and have high cholesterol.

Signs and symptoms of MASH

According to doctors, there may be no early symptoms of MASH until it severely damages your liver, which develops slowly over the years. When you do have symptoms, they may include:

• Fatigue and tiredness
• Discomfort or pain in the upper right side of the stomach
• Unexplained weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Swollen belly and legs
• Yellowish tint to your eyes and skin – jaundice

Doctors say that since early MASH often has no obvious symptoms, it is always important to get regular checkups — especially if you have risk factors like obesity, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

How is MASH treated?

The treatment for MASH focuses most on improving your metabolic health and protecting your liver from further damage. A treatment plan may include:

Lifestyle changes

Taking care of your diet Regular exercise and workouts Not drinking alcohol

Medication

Doctors would prescribe medications that reduce MASH symptoms like scarring, which include GLP-1 agonists along with supplements.

Bariatric surgery

For many people suffering from MASH, bariatric surgery can also be a treatment option if you have obesity and advanced liver disease. Doctors say these surgeries, like gastric sleeve surgery and gastric bypass surgery, can be instrumental in helping you lose weight and reverse liver damage.