/New Research Reveals High Rates of Undiagnosed Fatty Liver Disease in the UK
– Over 11.7 million primary-care records analyzed, showing only 2.42% diagnosed with MASLD
– Significant increase in diagnoses over the last decade but many still unaware of their condition
– Disparities found among ethnic groups in assessments for liver scarring
– Early intervention crucial for improving liver health and preventing serious complications
A recent study presented at the British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL) conference indicates that millions of individuals in the UK are living with fatty liver disease without a formal diagnosis. Researchers from Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust highlighted that only 2.42% of individuals had a recorded diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in 2022, despite estimates suggesting that approximately one in four UK adults may be affected by the condition.
MASLD is often asymptomatic in its early stages and is typically discovered only during investigations for other health issues, leading to many remaining unaware of their liver disease until it has progressed significantly.
The analysis of primary-care records from over 11.7 million patients revealed that the recorded diagnosis rate of MASLD nearly quintupled from 0.52% in 2012 to 2.42% in 2022. However, this figure still falls short of the estimated prevalence, indicating a notable gap between those who likely have the condition and those currently diagnosed.
Professor William Alazawi, Consultant Hepatologist and senior author of the study, commented, “Our analysis shows a substantial gap between recorded diagnoses and the number of people expected to have MASLD. Although recorded diagnoses have increased in the last decade, many people diagnosed may be missing out on opportunities for early intervention. Improving identification in primary care needs to go hand in hand with better assessment of those already diagnosed.”
The research unveiled critical gaps in routine information necessary for assessing the risk of liver damage and scarring. Among patients diagnosed with MASLD after 2015, only 20% possessed the required routine blood-test results to evaluate their risk of liver scarring.
The study also uncovered disparities linked to ethnicity; individuals of South Asian descent represented 11% of those with recorded MASLD, compared to 7.2% of the overall population. However, they faced a 33% lower likelihood of receiving further assessments for liver scarring.
MASLD was previously known as non-alcohol related fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is associated with various metabolic conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. For certain individuals, it may escalate to severe liver diseases, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, necessitating the need for transplants.
Pamela Healy OBE, Chief Executive of Liver UK, noted, “This study suggests that millions of people could be living with liver disease without knowing it. Because MASLD often develops silently, many may not realize there is a problem until significant liver damage has occurred. Earlier identification gives people the opportunity to take action to improve their liver health and reduce their risk of serious complications.”
Belinda Whitlock, a North Lincolnshire resident, shared her experience of being diagnosed with MASLD after nearly two years of unexplained fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. Initially, her symptoms were attributed to menopause, with her fatty liver condition discovered incidentally during an ultrasound. Further tests revealed advanced fibrosis linked to MASLD. Belinda expressed the importance of timely diagnosis, stating, “Getting a diagnosis has helped me understand what is happening with my liver and, importantly, what I can do to protect my health. Without knowing what was happening, I would never have had the opportunity to make the changes I needed to my diet and lifestyle, which have ultimately helped save my life.”
The findings emphasize that individuals with both type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure face the highest risk of adverse outcomes related to MASLD. Ian Rowe, President at the British Association for the Study of the Liver (BASL), stated, “MASLD needs to be addressed as part of a person’s wider health, not in isolation. People with MASLD often have other conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Earlier identification and appropriate assessment of all associated conditions could help clinicians intervene before liver disease becomes more advanced.”
This pivotal research was presented at the BASL Annual Meeting 2026 and published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe.
