New research released today on Global Fatty Liver Day reveals that fatty liver disease is often overlooked, leading to late diagnosis. According to a survey of patients with fatty liver disease, more than half reported receiving no support following their diagnosis, and a third were diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Fatty liver disease, also known as MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), is estimated to affect up to 1 in 5 people in the UK[i]. The main risk factors for this disease are being overweight, an unhealthy diet, or having type 2 diabetes.
The survey, conducted by the British Liver Trust, found that out of 687 people living with MASLD:
– 68% were overweight or obese
– 35% had type 2 diabetes
Shockingly, over half (55%) of respondents stated that they had received no support for weight management, healthy eating, or physical activity, which are crucial for successful treatment of this disease. In the early stages, lifestyle changes such as weight loss and improved diet can prevent the progression of the disease and even reverse liver damage. Additionally, more than a third of respondents were diagnosed at a late stage, when treatment options were limited.
With an estimated two-thirds of the UK population being overweight or obese, the British Liver Trust is calling for increased awareness among both the general population and healthcare professionals. The charity urges for systematic case finding, including routine testing and liver scanning for those at risk, to enable earlier diagnosis and better outcomes. The charity also emphasizes the need for new treatments to be introduced alongside comprehensive education for healthcare professionals to ensure patients receive proper support at the right time.
MASLD is increasingly affecting people across the UK, with mortality rates in England alone rising by 44%[iii] between 2019 and 2023, with the highest rates seen in the North of England.
Pamela Healy OBE, Chief Executive at the British Liver Trust, states:
“For too long, there have been widespread misunderstandings about liver health, leading to many people being unaware of the risks of being overweight or consuming unhealthy or ultra-processed foods. While people are often informed about the risks of these lifestyle factors on heart disease and type 2 diabetes, the risk of fatty liver disease is rarely discussed.
“We need to see MASLD given the same level of attention as other major conditions, and effective changes must be implemented to ensure that everyone at risk receives the right treatment at the right time.”
Sara’s father was diagnosed with fatty liver disease in 2014 and only received one scan in 2016. In 2024, he was diagnosed with MASLD and tragically passed away just four months later in July 2024, at the age of 62. Sara and her family are still trying to come to terms with his preventable death: “If we had received the MASLD diagnosis a little bit sooner, if he had just had a few more weeks, and if he had been monitored earlier, they would have seen his liver deteriorating and it wouldn’t have reached this point.”
“MASLD is a growing public health concern across the UK,” said Professor Philip Newsome, a leading liver expert from King’s College Hospital London and medical advisor to the British Liver Trust. “We are seeing promising advancements in research, with several new treatments showing positive results. However, urgent action is needed to translate these developments into clinical practice, ensuring early detection and better treatments are integrated into the NHS to provide tangible benefits for patients.”
[i] Modeling NAFLD disease burden in China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States for the period 2016-2030 – PubMed [ii] Patient survey 2024 – initial findings – British Liver Trust [iii] Liver Disease Profiles – Data | Fingertips | Department of Health and Social Care
