Unveiling the MASLD Epidemic

The epidemiology of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is undergoing a dramatic global increase, paralleling the rise in obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. This chapter reviews the evolution of the prevalence and impact of MASLD in various populations, and highlights that the disease is the predominant cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting one third of the world’s adult population. The review highlights the heterogeneous distribution of MASLD, influenced by genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors, with significant variations observed in different regions and among ethnic groups. Notably, at least 20% of affected individuals progress to metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which further complicates disease management and increases the risk of serious outcomes such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).