Unseen Epidemic: Millions in the West Unaware of Their Aggressive Fatty Liver Disease, New Study Reveals

Over 15 million people in the US, UK, Germany, and France may be living with a serious liver condition without knowing it. This condition, called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), affects individuals who consume little to no alcohol but have more than 5% fat in their liver.

MASLD often goes unnoticed, especially among those with type 2 diabetes, as about two-thirds of these patients are believed to have the disease. It is also linked to obesity and heart diseases. In its severe form, known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), this condition can lead to serious health issues like cirrhosis and liver cancer, and it raises the risk of cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney problems.

Recent research reveals that fewer than 18% of patients with MASH have been diagnosed. This means that around 20 million people in the four countries studied are living with MASH, but only about 2.5 million are aware of it. That leaves a staggering 16.7 million unaware of their condition.

A report published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe highlights the urgent need for increased diagnosis rates. Traditionally, MASH was confirmed through liver biopsy, but now there are safer, non-invasive methods like blood tests and ultrasounds. Researchers recommend screening for MASH in anyone with type 2 diabetes, obesity combined with other risk factors, and those with high liver enzymes.

Dr. Jeffrey Lazarus, the lead author, pointed out that undiagnosed MASH takes a toll on economies due to lost productivity and higher healthcare costs. He warns that if diagnosis rates don’t improve, health expenses could triple in the next 20 years.

Emmanouil Tsochatzis, a hepatology expert, echoed these concerns: “Without quicker diagnoses and better treatment options, the toll on human lives and economies will escalate.” There’s also a push for using weight-loss medications like GLP-1s (e.g., Wegovy and Mounjaro) to help manage MASH. These medications can aid in weight loss by making individuals feel full longer, which may help reduce liver fat and improve overall liver health.

Michael Betel, the president of the Fatty Liver Alliance, emphasizes the importance of testing for MASH among those with type 2 diabetes or obesity. He advocates for an increase in liver health assessments and lifestyle changes to catch the disease early. Recent studies support the idea that certain diabetes medications can reduce liver fat and improve liver function, further showing the connection between metabolic health and liver disease.

For those interested in diving deeper, you can read more about these findings in the Lancet Regional Health Europe report and related studies from trusted sources like the New England Journal of Medicine and the British Medical Journal.

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