Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino recently revealed that he was diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, or MASH.The Miami Dolphins legend said the discovery came years ago after a routine checkup when he was feeling sluggish."MASH is a serious form of liver disease characterized by an excessive buildup of fat in the liver, combined with inflammation and liver cell damage," Rosario Ligresti, M.D., chief of gastroenterology at Hackensack University Medical Center in New Jersey, told Fox News Digital.HALL OF FAMER DAN MARINO OPENS UP ABOUT MASH DIAGNOSIS, WHY HE WANTS TO SHARE HIS HEALTH JOURNEYUnlike alcoholic liver disease or viral hepatitis, MASH develops silently from everyday health issues like obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.While Marinos story grabbed headlines, experts say its part of a much larger health crisis that often goes unnoticed."MASH is often called a silent disease because it typically progresses slowly over many years with few to no symptoms in its early stages," Ligresti said.STANFORD SCIENTISTS 'TOTALLY SURPRISED' BY POTENTIAL PARKINSON'S TREATMENT DISCOVERYBy the time red flags like fatigue, jaundice, swelling or easy bruising appear, the damage may already be done, the doctor warned.Persistent inflammation can lead to fibrosis, which may progress to cirrhosis, a severe and irreversible scarring of the liver.Cleveland Clinic notes that MASH develops from MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease), a condition in which fat is present in the liver but doesnt produce significant inflammation. The shift to MASH is what makes it dangerous.HEPATITIS A OUTBREAK INFECTS THOUSANDS OF TRAVELERS AT POPULAR DESTINATIONSAn estimated 1.5% to 6.5% of the global population is affected by this disease, according to Ligresti, and the numbers are rising alongside obesity and diabetes rates."While it can affect people of any age, it is most frequently diagnosed in middle-aged adults," he said.A sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in processed foods, sugary drinks and unhealthy fats are predominant causes of the disease, although genetics may also play a role.Cleveland Clinic lists the following warning signs that may indicate MASH.Catching the disease early is key, experts say.MORE IN HEALTH NEWS"If you believe you might have MASH, especially if you have risk factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, it is crucial to see a healthcare provider," Ligresti advised."Lifestyle changes like diet, exercise and weight loss can often halt or even reverse liver damage in the early stages," he added.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERAs of this year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved GLP-1 medications already used for diabetes and weight loss as treatment for MASH. Research shows they can reduce liver fat, improve inflammation and decrease scarring.