The Global Epidemic of Metabolic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Purpose of review: The objective of this manuscript is to examine the current literature on the epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), its correlation with cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes, as well as to evaluate the update in nomenclature from non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD).

Recent findings: The update of diagnostic criteria from NAFLD to MASLD reduces the stigma associated with alcohol consumption and poor health choices. It also shines a light on the crucial role of cardiometabolic risk factors in disease pathophysiology. The incidence and prevalence of MASLD are projected to increase significantly in the future as the population burden of cardiometabolic risk factors rises. MASLD is also a potent risk factor for developing CVD that should be tackled by using a multi-disciplinary team with a holistic approach. As the new nomenclature for metabolic liver disease is adopted on a global scale, more research is needed to investigate the applicability of findings from previous trials focusing on NAFLD. It is anticipated that the epidemic of MASLD will continue to increase globally, hence the urgent need for therapeutic approaches to reverse this trend.

Keywords: Cardiometabolic disease; Cardiovascular disease; Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease; Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease; Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.