Silent Threat: Fatty Liver Disease Affects One in Five Adults in France, with Rising Risks
Fatty liver disease, now formally recognized as Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), is a growing health concern in France, impacting an estimated 20% of the adult population. Despite its prevalence, awareness remains shockingly low; a recent survey reveals only 3% of those familiar with cardiometabolic diseases identify MASLD as one, rising to 34% when presented with a list of such conditions. Worryingly, it ranks low on the public’s health concerns, trailing substantially behind cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
MASLD is characterized by an accumulation of fat within the liver – specifically, when more than 5% of the liver’s composition is fat. While not inherently serious, the condition can escalate. Continued fat buildup triggers inflammation, transforming MASLD into its more dangerous form: Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH).This inflammation, if left unchecked, progresses to liver fibrosis, increasing the risk of cirrhosis – a severe scarring of the liver. Cirrhosis, in turn, carries a substantial risk (10-20% of cases) of developing hepatocellular cancer. Consequently, fatty liver disease is now a leading cause of liver transplantation.
The insidious nature of MASLD is a key concern. Often completely asymptomatic, it frequently goes undetected until significant damage has occurred. The disease is strongly linked to lifestyle factors like obesity, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle, highlighting the interconnectedness of organ health – particularly the heart-liver connection, as noted by the IHU ICAN.Studies demonstrate this link; 30% of patients diagnosed with steatosis without existing cardiovascular disease were found to be at high risk of developing it.
“MASLD is a silent, yet possibly serious disease, largely unknown to the public,” explains Dr. Raluca Pais, a hepato-gastroenterologist at AP-HP and clinician at IHU ICAN. “Raising awareness about its risk factors – being overweight, having cardiometabolic diseases, consuming an unbalanced diet, and leading a sedentary lifestyle - and potential complications, including chronic inflammation, cirrhosis, and even cancer, is crucial for early detection and effective treatment.”
The prevalence of fatty liver disease in France was 18.2% in 2020, according to the French National Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE). alarmingly, approximately 220,000 people currently have advanced pre-cirrhotic fibrosis or cirrhosis. Projections indicate a grim future, with these numbers expected to more than double by 2030, and complications of cirrhosis and related liver cancers tripling within the same timeframe. Individuals with diabetes, obesity, or metabolic syndrome are particularly vulnerable.
Addressing this growing public health challenge requires a multi-pronged approach. A recent IFOP / IHU ICAN survey reveals strong public demand for increased awareness campaigns focusing on lifestyle modifications (diet, physical activity, screening - 59%), enhanced training for healthcare professionals (43%), and increased investment in research (32%). Early detection and intervention are vital to mitigating the silent, yet significant, threat posed by fatty liver disease to the health of the French population.
