Almost 2bn to be affected by metabolic liver disease by 2050, study suggests
A recent study warns that metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), once called non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, could affect 1.8 billion people worldwide by 2050. This sharp rise from the current 1.3 billion cases stems from population growth, obesity, and high blood sugar levels driving a 42% increase since 2023.
Disease Overview
MASLD involves fat buildup in the liver linked to metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes, affecting about one in six people today. Cases have surged 143% over the past 30 years, from 500 million in 1990.
Key Projections
By 2050, prevalence could hit 14,429 cases per 100,000 people, up 29% from 1990 levels. In the US, MASLD may reach 41.4% of adults, with liver-related deaths climbing to 95,300 annually.
Risk Factors
Obesity and high blood sugar are primary drivers, often worsened by poor diet and lifestyle changes. Combined with alcohol, these accelerate liver damage progression. Liver cancer cases tied to MASLD could nearly double globally.
