By 2050, metabolic liver disease could affect about 1.8 billion people worldwide. This is stated in a study published in the international scientific journal "The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology," writes The Guardian.
This refers to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease). It is one of the most common and fastest-growing in the world.
According to the latest estimates, about 1.3 billion people currently live with this diagnosis—this is 143% more than 30 years ago. Approximately one in six people in the world has this disease.
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The study shows that in 1990 there were about 500 million, and by 2023 their number increased to 1.3 billion. Further growth of another 42% is expected by 2050.
The main reasons for the spread of the disease are the rising levels of obesity, high blood sugar, as well as smoking. Most cases are recorded among men and older people, however, a significant portion of patients are middle-aged people.
Despite the increase in the number of patients, the overall impact of the disease on life expectancy currently remains stable—this is attributed to improved treatment. At the same time, doctors warn of the risk of complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer.
The disease is often asymptomatic and is frequently detected by chance during examinations. In most cases, it can be controlled with lifestyle changes.
The authors of the study emphasize that the increasing number of cases makes this disease a global challenge for healthcare systems and requires more attention and prevention.
