Groundbreaking research from the University of Oxford has revealed that Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), exhibits a strong day-night pattern, with metabolic changes driving the disease being most pronounced overnight. The study, published in *Cell Metabolism* on January 12, 2026, found that during the night, the body is least efficient at processing sugar and fat, leading to increased liver fat production and worsened insulin resistance in the liver, muscle, and abdominal fat tissue. Crucially, these nocturnal metabolic problems persist even after individuals lose weight and reduce fat in their liver, suggesting that these night-related issues may be a fundamental and primary driver of MASLD. This finding holds significant implications for understanding the disease's pathogenesis and developing more effective treatments. MASLD is a widespread global health concern, affecting approximately 40% of adults worldwide, and severe forms can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, liver cancer, and cardiovascular disease. For an Indian audience, this news is particularly relevant as India is grappling with an alarming surge in fatty liver disease, ranking among the global top three. The prevalence of NAFLD/MASLD in the general Indian adult population is estimated to be around 38.6%, with some studies reporting ranges between 6.7% and 55.1%. The research also highlighted a behavioral factor, observing that many MASLD patients consume over 40% of their daily calories at dinner, which exacerbates the effects of impaired night-time metabolism. These findings underscore the importance of circadian rhythms in metabolic health and suggest that optimizing the timing of food intake, exercise, and even medication delivery could become vital strategies in managing and preventing MASLD.