Statistics of MASLD and MASH

Liver disease is on the rise globally and in the United States. The most common type of liver disease is metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD).¹

MASLD has 2 severities:^1,2

• Simple steatotic liver – Buildup of fat in the liver with little or no inflammation or liver damage
• Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) – Buildup of fat in the liver, leading to inflammation and liver damage such as scarring (fibrosis). MASH is the more severe form of MASLD.

The impact of MASH is significant and growing. Often coined as a “silent liver disease,” MASH quietly affects millions of people worldwide. MASH can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.²

Prevalence of MASLD and MASH

Cases of MASLD are increasing worldwide. They mirror the increase in obesity and metabolic syndrome cases. In the United States, about one-fourth of the population is estimated to have MASLD. Most people who have MASLD have simple steatotic liver.^1,2

MASH is the more advanced, severe form of MASLD, and it is more rare. Experts estimate that of those with MASLD, about 1 in 5 people have MASH. That equals about 2 to 5 percent – or 6.5 to 16.3 million – of US adults.^1,2

Who is affected by MASLD and MASH?

MASLD and MASH can affect anyone. While it is more common in adults, it can affect children, too. In fact, about 10 percent of US children between ages 2 and 19 have MASLD.¹

MASLD and MASH occur in people of all races and ethnicities as well. But certain groups are more at risk, including:¹

• Hispanic people
• Non-Hispanic white people
• Asian American people, specifically those from East Asia and South Asia

MASLD is less common among non-Hispanic Black people. Interestingly, Asian Americans diagnosed with MASLD typically have a lower body mass index (BMI) compared to non-Hispanic white people who have MASLD.¹

What are the risk factors for MASLD and MASH?

MASLD and MASH do not happen on their own. Often, there are pre-existing health conditions that lead to them. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of MASLD and MASH.¹

Two health conditions in particular put a person at higher risk of developing liver disease: obesity and type 2 diabetes. Research suggests that:¹

• Between 33 and 66 percent of people with type 2 diabetes also have MASLD
• Up to 75 percent of people who are overweight have MASLD
• More than 90 percent of people who have severe obesity have MASLD

Other risk factors include:¹

• Being over age 50
• Having high cholesterol or high triglycerides (hyperlipidemia)
• Having high blood pressure (hypertension)
• Having a family history of MASLD
• Living a sedentary lifestyle (sitting or lying down most of the time)

Complications of MASH

When a person’s MASLD has advanced to MASH, it can lead to:^1-3

• Liver cirrhosis – Scarring of the liver becomes permanent. About 1 in 4 people with MASH have cirrhosis.
• Liver failure – The liver begins to fail and cannot function properly.
• Liver cancer – Cancerous cells are found in the liver.

MASH can also lead to a host of other health problems, including:^1-3

• Cardiovascular diseases like heart attack and stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease

One of MASH’s biggest challenges to the medical community is its silent progression. In the early stages, the disease often has no symptoms. Many people with MASH may be unaware of the damage occurring in their liver until it becomes advanced. Experts predict that by 2030 MASH will be the primary reason for liver transplants.²

Taking action against MASH

If MASLD and MASH are caught early enough, they can be managed and treated. Lifestyle changes like eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight loss play a crucial role in managing liver disease and preventing long-term liver damage or liver failure.^1,2

For those with underlying health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol, it is important to manage them to prevent MASLD and MASH from progressing.^1,2