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Fatty Liver Disease Epidemic: 1.3 Billion Affected
14 Apr
Summary
- 1.3 billion people had fatty liver disease in 2023 globally.
- Metabolically associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) cases have surged 143% since 1990.
- Nearly 1.8 billion people are projected to have MASLD by 2050.
In 2023, a concerning 1.3 billion individuals globally were diagnosed with fatty liver disease. This condition, recently renamed metabolically associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has experienced an alarming 143% surge in cases since 1990.
Researchers project this trend will continue, estimating that 1.8 billion people will have MASLD by 2050. The disease progresses silently as the liver lacks nerve endings, often going undetected until significant damage occurs.
High blood sugar, Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome are key risk factors. While the overall health impact has remained stable due to treatment advances, the rising number of early-stage cases is a significant concern.
