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Why is 25% of the population likely to become a victim of MASLD? Uncover the secrets behind this alarming number!
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Hepatic Fatty Disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a persistent liver disease. This condition is diagnosed when excess fat accumulates in the liver (hepatic steatosis) and is accompanied by at least one metabolic risk factor. When there is increased alcohol intake, it is called metabolic and alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD) and is distinguished from alcohol-related liver disease (ALD).
“About 25% of the population may be affected by MASLD, a staggering proportion that has alarmed many medical experts.”
According to research, MASLD is not only the most common liver disease, but also one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease in the United States and Europe in 2017. An estimated 30% to 40% of adults in the United States have MASLD, and over time, the condition can lead to more serious health problems, such as cirrhosis, liver cancer, and cardiovascular disease. The risk factors described below, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes, are strong indicators of MASLD, and the rising incidence of this metabolic-related disease has aroused great concern among experts.
Risk factors and diagnosis of MASLD
Risk factors for MASLD include obesity, metabolic syndrome (including abdominal obesity, hypertension, hyperglycemia, etc.), and older age. In addition, high fructose intake in the diet is also considered to be one of the important risk factors. Although most people may have no obvious symptoms initially, abnormalities in the liver are often discovered during routine blood tests or abdominal imaging.
“In the United States, an estimated 75 million to 100 million adults are affected by MASLD, a staggering number.”
The latest treatment and management methods
Currently, most treatments for MASLD focus on weight loss and lifestyle improvement, especially through dietary changes and exercise. In addition, for severe cases, certain drugs such as SGLT-2 inhibitors, GLP-1 agonists, and vitamin E also have evidence that they may be effective. Recently, the US FDA approved resmetirom, the first drug targeting fatty liver disease related to metabolic dysfunction, which opened a new chapter in the treatment of this disease.
"This is not only a personal health issue, but also a public health challenge."
The impact of lifestyle
In addition to physiological factors, lifestyle also has a significant impact on the risk of MASLD. Habitual snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSAS) are known to cause symptoms and may even be a hidden and expensive cost for patients to deal with within the healthcare system.
Research shows that certain genetic variations are also associated with the presence and severity of MASLD. This suggests that family history may increase an individual's risk, especially among Asians and Hispanics.
Thoughts at the end
MASLD has become a health problem that cannot be ignored in today's society, affecting more and more people's lives. When faced with such staggering morbidity rates, how can we as individuals change to meet this challenge?
