This disease might be silently killing millions quietly, says research. Are you at risk?
A recent international study has revealed that millions of people in the US and Europe may be unknowingly living with a dangerous form of fatty liver disease. Published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe, the research indicates that a vast number of individuals are affected by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with the majority still undiagnosed.
Widespread but Largely Undetected
The study examined populations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France, and found that approximately 20 million people across these countries have the more severe variant of MASLD known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Alarmingly, only about 2.5 million have received a formal diagnosis. This means roughly three-quarters of those with the disease—an estimated 16.7 million individuals—remain unaware of their condition.
MASLD is the updated term for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and it affects people whose liver contains over 5% fat despite little or no alcohol intake. While many patients only develop the earliest and less severe stage known as simple fatty liver, the disease can progress without symptoms and cause serious damage over time.
Progressive and Potentially Fatal
MASH, the aggressive form of the disease, is associated with inflammation and can lead to fibrosis, or scarring of the liver. If not managed, it may progress to cirrhosis, a stage marked by irreversible liver damage and potential liver failure. The condition is also linked to higher risks of cardiovascular issues, chronic kidney disease, and liver cancer.
The study's findings emphasize the urgency of early diagnosis, especially as MASH is particularly common among people with type 2 diabetes and those who are overweight or obese. Researchers noted that around two-thirds of individuals with type 2 diabetes are thought to have MASLD.
Urgent Need for Diagnosis and Treatment
Dr. Jeffrey Lazarus, the lead author of the study, stressed the economic and health burden posed by undiagnosed MASH. He pointed out that without a significant increase in diagnosis and treatment, the financial costs to healthcare systems could triple over the next two decades.
Prof. Emmanouil Tsochatzis of University College London echoed this warning, stating that over 15 million people in the US and Europe are living with the most severe form of fatty liver disease without knowing it. He warned that both human suffering and economic consequences could worsen significantly if diagnosis rates do not improve.
Traditionally, MASH has been diagnosed through liver biopsy, but newer, non-invasive tools such as blood tests, ultrasound, and MRI scans have made screening easier. Experts now recommend that individuals with type 2 diabetes, obesity combined with other risk factors, or persistently elevated liver enzymes undergo regular screening.
Potential Role of Weight Loss Medications
The study has also brought renewed attention to the potential of weight loss medications to help manage MASH. Dr. Paul Brennan, a hepatologist and co-author of the study, highlighted the promise of GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro. These drugs work by reducing appetite and slowing digestion, leading to weight loss, which in turn may help reduce fat accumulation and scar tissue in the liver.
Michael Betel, president of the Fatty Liver Alliance, stressed that individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity are often not screened for MASH until significant liver damage has occurred. He called for broader liver health assessments and, when appropriate, the use of weight loss drugs as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.
A separate study released around the same time found that the diabetes drug dapagliflozin not only helps reduce blood sugar but also lowers fat and scarring in the liver, suggesting another potential treatment pathway.
Risk Factors and Screening
According to health authorities like the NHS, those at greater risk of MASLD include people who are overweight, have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, or are over the age of 50. Smoking and thyroid disorders may also increase the risk.
Doctors typically begin diagnosis with blood tests that show elevated liver enzymes. If abnormalities are detected, further assessments such as imaging scans or liver elastography (FibroScan) are used to evaluate liver fat and fibrosis levels.
With the growing prevalence of MASLD and MASH, the study underscores the critical importance of early screening, timely intervention, and broader public health awareness to address this hidden but escalating health threat.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Time of India
Health experts issue stark warning about a disease that's silently killing millions: Are you at risk?
Global health experts are urgently calling for increased awareness and early detection of chronic liver diseases like MASLD and MASH, which silently affect millions worldwide. A recent meeting in Barcelona highlighted the need for improved diagnostic rates, person-centered care, and concrete actions like routine screening to combat the growing public health threat. A silent health crisis is sweeping across the globe, affecting millions, yet most people are unaware whether they have it. Now, leading health experts are calling for immediate action, warning that without early detection and a shift in medical priorities, the consequences could be devastating. Chronic liver disease is growing silently, and the experts have warned about the urgent need to improve detection to prevent its impact globally. In a global meeting held in Barcelona, Spain earlier this week (Jun 2025), 100 international experts issued a stark warning: millions of people will continue to go unseen by healthcare systems unless early detection and person-centred care for liver disease are prioritised without delay. The article is published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe . A common but silent disease Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects around 33% of adults across the world. Its more aggressive form - metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), affects an estimated 5% of the general population. Those with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or other cardiometabolic risk factors are at significantly higher risk. What increases the severity of MASH is that, it often shows no symptoms, until it reaches an advanced stage, where it can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. What are the experts saying The leading hepatology and metabolic health experts have urged the healthcare systems to double the MASH diagnosis rate by 2027, because this advanced disease affects millions silently, yet is rarely detected early. Lack of early detection worsens outcomes and also increases the healthcare burden globally. The experts have emphasized about using non-invasive tools and AI-based technologies to identify at-risk patients in primary care. They also noted that effective treatments must go hand in hand with better diagnosis. They also proposed that concrete actions such as routine screening for at-risk groups, integrating liver testing into regular health check-ups, updating reimbursement policies, and fostering collaboration across primary care, endocrinology, cardiology, and patient organisations, should be taken to eliminate the growing public threat by 2030. 'The future of the fight against MASH lies in anticipation: not only treating advanced patients but also identifying those without fibrosis early on. This shift towards preventive hepatology is key to improving the metabolic health of millions around the world,' Jeffrey Lazarus, Head of the Public Health Liver Group at ISGlobal, and lead author of the study, said in a statement. Need for a new perspective At the same time, over 40 experts have released the People-First Liver Charter in Nature Medicine , calling for a change in how we talk about and treat liver disease. They emphasized the need to end the stigma that often delays diagnosis and care. The Charter urges using respectful, person-first language and care that focuses on the patient, not just the disease. This shift is meant to increase empathy, reduce unfair treatment, and support global efforts to use more inclusive terms for liver diseases. Over 70 organisations have backed this initiative. Chronic liver disease rising in Spain Fatty liver A policy brief on Spain presented during the meeting revealed alarming trends. Approximately eight million people in Spain were living with MASLD in 2021. This is expected to increase to 12.7 million (27.6% of the population) by 2030. An estimated 1.8 million cases of MASH were reported in 2016. MASH-related mortality is expected to double, reaching around 7,590 by 2030. The healthcare burden could become more than double, from $1.48 billion in 2021 to $3.5 billion in 2040. 'We recommend a national strategy led by the Ministry of Health and in close collaboration with all autonomous communities that includes a MASLD registry, its inclusion in key health indicators, enhanced training for healthcare professionals, automated diagnosis in primary care, and strengthened community-based services,' Lazarus warned. 7 Ways to check for fatty liver at home Despite affecting more than 1.5 billion people worldwide, chronic liver diseases remain largely excluded from global non-communicable disease (NCD) strategies. As the United Nations High-Level Meeting on NCDs is set to take place in Sep. 2025, the experts have urged for immediate action. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
20 hours ago
- Time of India
Maha's anti-venom pioneer targeted by predatory journal
Mumbai: The world of medical research is battling its own version of cyber frauds: predatory or 'pseudo' journals, deceptive publications that claim to be scholarly but rarely follow ethical publishing practices and seek hefty payment from authors. On Friday, Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar (75), a Mahad-based physician who won a Padma Shri in 2022 and is known for his rural Maharashtra medical practice and research, wrote in 'The Lancet' about his two-year struggle with a predatory journal that swiftly published his work, then started demanding 1,000 pounds and issued threats when he objected. "I received threatening emails stating they would take serious action and damage my reputation in India," he said. Mahad-based Dr Himmatrao Bawaskar, whose pioneering work in anti-venom for scorpions and snakes has been published in numerous peer-reviewed medical journals, was so "devastated" by his struggle with a predatory journal that he developed "anxiety, insomnia and palpitation". Within six months, the 75-year-old doctor lost 8 kgs and needed psychiatric help. In recent months, various medical associations across the world have voiced concern about the growing number of predatory journals. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Tausende schwärmen von diesem Nagelpilz-Gerät – wir haben es überprüft Med-Aktuell Undo The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors in Feb estimated there are over 15,000 such journals. While medical research paves the way for new treatments, these journals are undermining its credibility. Dr Bawaskar's ordeal began when he submitted his self-funded diabetes research to high-impact journals. After many rejections, a case report journal approached him. "In my submission to this journal, I stated I work without funding and would not be able to pay fees," he said. Yet the journal sent him a proof in a couple of days. "I was shocked—how could the peer review and publication process be completed so quickly? I again appealed, stating my inability to pay. The journal ignored my requests and proceeded to publish the article, then sent me an invoice with exorbitant fee," he added. The journal then sent threats and said they were giving him "a 40% discount." "But during a call with my son who is a cardiologist in the US, my wife mentioned my stress to him," said the doctor. His son identified the predatory nature of the journal and blocked their communications. While the doctor hasn't paid the journal, this experience has prompted him to work out a checklist. He said, "Since this episode, I have not attempted to publish again. Instead, I find fulfilment in seeing my patients recover and walk again—living testaments to my diagnosis and management; these are my true publications." Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
Economic Times
a day ago
- Economic Times
This disease might be silently killing millions quietly, says research. Are you at risk?
A new international study has found that over 15 million people across the US, UK, Germany, and France are unknowingly living with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the most aggressive form of fatty liver disease. Despite its serious risks—including liver failure, cancer, and other chronic illnesses—more than three-quarters of affected individuals remain undiagnosed. Researchers are urging wider screening, especially among those with obesity and type 2 diabetes, and highlighting the potential role of weight-loss medications in treatment. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Widespread but Largely Undetected Progressive and Potentially Fatal Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Urgent Need for Diagnosis and Treatment Potential Role of Weight Loss Medications Risk Factors and Screening A recent international study has revealed that millions of people in the US and Europe may be unknowingly living with a dangerous form of fatty liver disease. Published in The Lancet Regional Health Europe, the research indicates that a vast number of individuals are affected by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with the majority still study examined populations in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and France, and found that approximately 20 million people across these countries have the more severe variant of MASLD known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Alarmingly, only about 2.5 million have received a formal diagnosis. This means roughly three-quarters of those with the disease—an estimated 16.7 million individuals—remain unaware of their is the updated term for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and it affects people whose liver contains over 5% fat despite little or no alcohol intake. While many patients only develop the earliest and less severe stage known as simple fatty liver, the disease can progress without symptoms and cause serious damage over the aggressive form of the disease, is associated with inflammation and can lead to fibrosis, or scarring of the liver. If not managed, it may progress to cirrhosis, a stage marked by irreversible liver damage and potential liver failure. The condition is also linked to higher risks of cardiovascular issues, chronic kidney disease, and liver study's findings emphasize the urgency of early diagnosis, especially as MASH is particularly common among people with type 2 diabetes and those who are overweight or obese. Researchers noted that around two-thirds of individuals with type 2 diabetes are thought to have Jeffrey Lazarus, the lead author of the study, stressed the economic and health burden posed by undiagnosed MASH. He pointed out that without a significant increase in diagnosis and treatment, the financial costs to healthcare systems could triple over the next two Emmanouil Tsochatzis of University College London echoed this warning, stating that over 15 million people in the US and Europe are living with the most severe form of fatty liver disease without knowing it. He warned that both human suffering and economic consequences could worsen significantly if diagnosis rates do not MASH has been diagnosed through liver biopsy, but newer, non-invasive tools such as blood tests, ultrasound, and MRI scans have made screening easier. Experts now recommend that individuals with type 2 diabetes, obesity combined with other risk factors, or persistently elevated liver enzymes undergo regular study has also brought renewed attention to the potential of weight loss medications to help manage MASH. Dr. Paul Brennan, a hepatologist and co-author of the study, highlighted the promise of GLP-1 agonists like Wegovy and Mounjaro. These drugs work by reducing appetite and slowing digestion, leading to weight loss, which in turn may help reduce fat accumulation and scar tissue in the Betel, president of the Fatty Liver Alliance, stressed that individuals with type 2 diabetes or obesity are often not screened for MASH until significant liver damage has occurred. He called for broader liver health assessments and, when appropriate, the use of weight loss drugs as part of a comprehensive treatment strategy.A separate study released around the same time found that the diabetes drug dapagliflozin not only helps reduce blood sugar but also lowers fat and scarring in the liver, suggesting another potential treatment to health authorities like the NHS, those at greater risk of MASLD include people who are overweight, have type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, metabolic syndrome, or are over the age of 50. Smoking and thyroid disorders may also increase the typically begin diagnosis with blood tests that show elevated liver enzymes. If abnormalities are detected, further assessments such as imaging scans or liver elastography (FibroScan) are used to evaluate liver fat and fibrosis the growing prevalence of MASLD and MASH, the study underscores the critical importance of early screening, timely intervention, and broader public health awareness to address this hidden but escalating health threat.
