Global Fatty Liver Day 2025: Addressing a Silent Health Crisis

On June 12, 2025, Global Fatty Liver Day will highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and action regarding fatty liver disease, a condition that has become increasingly prevalent in the context of global metabolic health challenges. The campaign, organized annually by the Global Liver Institute (GLI), seeks to shed light on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and metabolic dysfunction-associated alcohol-related liver disease (MetALD), which together impact millions worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many remain undiagnosed and untreated.

Fatty liver disease, once considered uncommon, has surged alongside rising rates of obesity and diabetes. According to a 2023 report from the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 30.2% of the global population is now affected by MASLD, with alarming statistics suggesting that 57.5% of adults with obesity also suffer from this condition (WHO, 2023). In the United States, projections indicate that over 122 million adults could be affected by fatty liver disease by 2050, a significant increase that underscores the pressing nature of this health crisis (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

Larry R. Holden, President and CEO of the Global Liver Institute, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the liver's role in overall health. He states, "The liver is no longer the silent organ. Fatty liver disease is now one of the clearest and most urgent signs of global metabolic dysfunction. On Global Fatty Liver Day, we call on healthcare leaders, policymakers, and the public to recognize the liver’s central role in preventing not just liver disease—but cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Liver health must rise to the top of public health agendas globally" (Holden, 2025).

The development of fatty liver disease is insidious, often accumulating fat in the liver without any symptoms in its early stages. If left unaddressed, it can progress to serious conditions such as inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, and ultimately, death (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 2023). MASH has emerged as one of the leading causes of liver transplantation in the United States, demonstrating the critical need for early detection and treatment. As reported by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, up to 75% of individuals with type 2 diabetes are also affected by MASLD, while more than 70% of those diagnosed with MASLD concurrently struggle with obesity (AASLD, 2023). Furthermore, between 20% and 80% of individuals with high cholesterol or triglycerides are also impacted by fatty liver disease (American Heart Association, 2023).

Dr. Sharon Jaycox, Fatty Liver Disease Program Director at GLI, warns that "Fatty liver disease is not just about the liver—it’s about the entire metabolic ecosystem. If we fail to address it, we miss a major opportunity to detect and treat metabolic dysfunction early. We must educate patients and providers alike, embed liver screening in diabetes and obesity care, and drive equitable access to diagnostics and care" (Jaycox, 2025).

In response to the growing crisis, GLI is advocating for coordinated action across health systems, communities, and governments, which includes: 1. Incorporating liver screening into routine care for individuals with obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic risks. 2. Raising public and clinician awareness about MASLD, MASH, and MetALD as part of integrated metabolic care. 3. Expanding access to affordable, non-invasive diagnostic tools. 4. Supporting policies and funding that reflect the scale and urgency of the fatty liver disease crisis.

As GLI continues its global awareness efforts, stakeholders are encouraged to participate in bringing liver health into the forefront of metabolic health conversations. For more information, resources, and ways to take action, visit www.globalfattyliverday.com.

### References: - World Health Organization. (2023). Global Health Estimates. - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Liver Disease Statistics. - National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2023). Fatty Liver Disease Information. - American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. (2023). Liver Disease and Diabetes Facts. - American Heart Association. (2023). Cholesterol and Fatty Liver Disease.