Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, with its nomenclature undergoing several stages of evolution.The three major term transitions from NAFLD to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and subsequently metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have attracted extensive attention and discussion, presenting unprecedented opportunities and challenges.In this article, the historical development of terminology in the field of pediatric fatty liver disease was reviewed and a comparative analysis of the three primary terms (NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD) was conducted.By an exploration of these term changes and their implications for clinical practice, this review aims to offer valuable insights for researchers and clinicians.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the most prevalent chronic liver diseases worldwide, with its nomenclature undergoing several stages of evolution.The three major term transitions from NAFLD to metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and subsequently metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have attracted extensive attention and discussion, presenting unprecedented opportunities and challenges.In this article, the historical development of terminology in the field of pediatric fatty liver disease was reviewed and a comparative analysis of the three primary terms (NAFLD, MAFLD, and MASLD) was conducted.By an exploration of these term changes and their implications for clinical practice, this review aims to offer valuable insights for researchers and clinicians.