In particular, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, formerly known as NAFLD) represents a new challenge for the healthcare system.

In order to name the disease more clearly and prevent stigmatisation, the liver associations from Europe, the USA and Latin America have jointly decided to change the technical terms for fatty liver disease. This decision was also supported by patient organisations worldwide. (https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(23)00418-X/fulltext)

MASLD is primarily caused by too little exercise combined with an excessively high energy intake. It can therefore be described as a lifestyle-induced disease. It is estimated that one in three people in Germany has steatosis, which develops into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in up to 5% of those affected. Progressive MASH can have far-reaching health complications such as cirrhosis or liver cancer. No medication has been authorised to date. The most important intervention for those affected is a permanent change in lifestyle.

In addition, half of MASLD patients have other diseases and metabolic disorders such as dyslipidaemia (50%) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (60%). Patients are also frequently affected by obesity (72%, BMI>30kg/m2 ) and hypertension (78%) (see Alsenbesy M et al. Z Gastroenterol 2019; 57: 1209-1217).