Metabolic-Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)
Help improve the health of Australians with MAFLD
Participate in a free online course for MAFLD assessment and management, including specialist referral of patients in Australian general practice.
Structured for nurses and GPs, this metabolic medicine course is:
- Co-designed/delivered by GPs and specialists
- Evidence-based and up-to-date clinical information
- Self-paced, bite sized and problem based e-learning modules
The overall goal is to address the current gaps in patient care by educating general practitioners across Australia about the diagnostic challenges for MAFLD using evidence-based clinical guidelines and the provision of healthcare pathways for the prevention and management of this condition.
Why MAFLD management matters
Closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, sarcopenia, and other metabolic risk factors, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) occurs when fat builds up in the liver due to metabolic dysregulation rather than alcohol use.
Without proper intervention, MAFLD patients may develop significant fibrosis over time, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, it is a powerful predictor of cardiovascular disease.
Affecting around one in four Australian adults, MAFLD is now the most common chronic liver condition in the country. As prevalence continues to grow, health professionals play a critical role in identifying and managing MAFLD to improve both liver and overall health outcomes.
Effective early management—particularly with the support of general practice and nursing settings—can help prevent progression through lifestyle intervention and control of metabolic risk factors.
Learning outcomes
- Identify high risk patients who should be targeted for assessment for MAFLD
- Determine the risk of fibrosis in patients with MAFLD
- Develop a systematic approach to assessing and optimising metabolic health in patients with MAFLD
- Refer appropriately identified patients with MAFLD to specialist services incorporating adequate clinical details
- Implement monitoring processes with low risk MAFLD patients for liver disease progression.
Course delivery method
This hepatology course is delivered online by Professor Jacob George, a world-renowned hepatologist and liver research scientist.
Expand your knowledge of this liver condition with 15 self paced, bite-sized and problem-based e-learning modules.
Course pre-requisites
Participants are assumed to be working in the GP field or nursing (hepatology).
Additional Information
For terms and conditions, please view here.
Accredited MAFLD education for GPs and nurses
This program is developed and delivered as part of Independent Medical Education grant sponsored by Pfizer Global, Novo Nordisk, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL and Norgine.
This activity has been endorsed by the following organisations, according to approved quality standards criteria.
"I did really enjoy the MAFLD course. It was good to do the one question per day and refresh my learning. It has made me more aware and refer a lot of patients to the hepatologists for review'
-Dr Steve Jones, Medicrew Doctor
What is Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease?
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a common liver condition caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver due to metabolic risk factors like obesity, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes.
Unlike alcohol-related liver disease, MAFLD is linked to lifestyle and metabolic health, making it highly prevalent in Australia. It can progress silently to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease if left untreated.
How is MAFLD different from NAFLD?
MAFLD is a newer, more inclusive diagnostic term that focuses on underlying metabolic dysfunction, replacing the older "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" (NAFLD) label5.
While NAFLD excluded patients based on alcohol use or other liver conditions, MAFLD includes patients based on positive criteria—such as overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes, or metabolic abnormalities—making it a more accurate and inclusive diagnosis.
This change reflects current understanding of liver disease in the context of metabolic health.
How is MAFLD diagnosed?
Unlike previous definitions, a diagnosis of MAFLD does not require the exclusion of alcohol use or other liver conditions.
To confirm MAFLD, a person must show liver steatosis on imaging or blood tests, and meet one of three criteria5:
Type 2 diabetes
Overweight or obesity based on ethnicity-specific BMI thresholds, or
Two or more metabolic risk factors (in those with a normal BMI). These can include high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol levels, prediabetes, increased waist circumference, insulin resistance, or inflammation markers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.
GPs and nurses can identify MAFLD using common tools like liver function tests, ultrasound, and metabolic screening. Diagnosis can also be aided with MRI and CT scans.
Can MAFLD be reversed?
Yes, MAFLD can often be reversed in its early stages with lifestyle changes such as weight loss, improved diet, increased physical activity, and better control of blood sugar and cholesterol6.
The earlier it is detected and managed, the better the outcomes for liver and overall metabolic health.
How can GPs and nurses support patients with MAFLD?
GPs and nurses play a key role in identifying patients at risk of MAFLD, initiating early screening, and providing education and support around lifestyle changes.
They also help monitor liver health, coordinate care, and manage coexisting conditions like diabetes and high cholesterol.
Why is managing MAFLD important in general practice?
GPs are often the first to detect metabolic risk factors, making primary care the ideal setting to identify and manage MAFLD.
Early intervention can prevent irreversible liver damage and reduce the risk of serious complications like cirrhosis, liver cancer, and heart disease.
With timely lifestyle support and metabolic control, disease progression can often be slowed or even reversed.
Who should take a MAFLD training course?
Nurses, nurse practitioners, and GPs involved in chronic disease care or metabolic health management will benefit from this course.
It’s designed for healthcare professionals who want to strengthen their knowledge of MAFLD, improve early detection, and apply practical strategies for effective long-term management.
How much does this MAFLD education program cost?
This MAFLD education program is completely free for nurses and GPs in Australia. It is funded through an Independent Medical Education grant and delivered by the University of Sydney, with no cost to participate.
Gain the skills to detect MAFLD early, improve health outcomes, and support at-risk patients.