Fatty Liver Disease Affects Millions Globally, Including Lean Individuals
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Fatty liver disease affects 1.27 billion people globally, with 40% of adults in Israel impacted. The condition, linked to metabolic issues like diabetes and heart disease, also poses risks to lean individuals. Experts are calling for enhanced early detection and treatment strategies, including new medications and lifestyle interventions, to combat its progression to severe liver damage and cancer.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Fatty liver disease affects 1.27 billion people worldwide, projected to reach 1.9 billion by 2045.
- Approximately 40% of adults in Israel, or 2.5 million people, suffer from fatty liver disease.
- Lean individuals with fatty liver face increased cardiovascular risks, highlighting broader metabolic connections.
- The World Health Organization urges national strategies for early detection and treatment of fatty liver.
- New medications for advanced fatty liver have been approved in the US and are being considered for Israel's health basket.
- Lifestyle changes remain crucial for managing fatty liver disease alongside medical treatments.
Fatty liver disease, known as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide, with an estimated 1.27 billion people affected in 2021 and projections reaching 1.9 billion by 2045. In Israel, the condition affects approximately 40% of the population, equating to about 2.5 million adults. A significant portion, around 1%, already suffers from advanced liver scarring due to the disease. Professor Oren Shibolet, a leading expert in liver diseases at Ichilov Hospital, highlighted the global concern at TheMarker Labels Obesity Conference, noting the World Health Organization's call for national health strategies to address early detection and treatment. The disease can progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer, but Shibolet emphasized its broader metabolic implications, linking it to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Crucially, even individuals with a normal weight or who are lean can develop fatty liver (Lean MASLD) and face increased cardiovascular risks compared to those without the condition. Shibolet stressed the liver's role as a central metabolic organ contributing to wider health issues. The challenge lies not only in diagnosing fatty liver but also in identifying patients with significant scarring who are at risk of progression. Advanced diagnostic tools, including non-invasive methods like the FIB-4 index and FibroScan, are available alongside traditional liver biopsies. Progress has been made in treatment, with new drugs approved in the US for advanced liver inflammation and scarring. Shibolet urged for the inclusion of such treatments in Israel's national health basket, while also underscoring the continued importance of lifestyle changes, including diet, weight management, exercise, and controlling risk factors.