FEH survey shows public lacks knowledge of fatty liver disease
Despite this high prevalence, the condition remains largely misunderstood by the public.
- Fatty liver disease affects an estimated 25% of the Spanish population, totaling more than 10 million individuals.
- The first Fatty Liver Barometer shows that 55% of citizens do not know what the condition is, and 49% do not view the liver as a vital organ.
- Experts warn that the disease advances silently without symptoms, making early diagnosis in primary care essential.
The extent of this public health gap emerged from the first Fatty Liver Barometer, an extensive survey conducted by the Spanish Liver Federation (FEH) based on a sample of 1,512 people to measure how much citizens know about this organ and analyze what we know about this disease, known clinically as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD/MASH). The research demonstrates that 55% of the population does not know what fatty liver disease actually entails. Furthermore, 49% of respondents do not consider the liver to be a vital organ. Among young adults aged 18 to 24, awareness drops even further, with only one in three recognizing that human life is impossible without it.
Public perception remains heavily anchored to alcohol consumption. This narrow view creates a false sense of security for non-drinkers who assume they face no hepatic risk.
Silent Progression and Cardiometabolic Risks
The primary hazard of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease lies in its lack of early warning signs. 35% of the population remains unaware that the condition progresses silently without causing pain or physical discomfort until it reaches advanced stages. This absence of symptoms leads many patients to delay medical consultation.
Beyond hepatic damage, the disease carries severe cardiometabolic consequences that often go unrecognized. 46% of people do not know that fatty liver disease increases the risk of stroke, and 41% are unaware of its connection to myocardial infarction. Additionally, 35% fail to link the condition to type 2 diabetes, while 34% do not connect it to high blood pressure. Furthermore, 70% of Spaniards are unaware that if the disease is left untreated, the damage can become so severe that a liver transplant is the only solution.
Social Bias Ignores Genetic Factors in Liver Disease
The data reveals a profound social bias regarding who develops the condition. 92% of survey respondents believe the patient is personally responsible for contracting the disease, while only 24% acknowledge the influence of genetic and metabolic factors. Moreover, 53% of people assume the pathology affects exclusively individuals with overweight or obesity.
Josep María Martínez Rodríguez, vice president of the Spanish Liver Federation, cautioned that reducing the condition solely to lifestyle choices creates an unfair and dangerous stigma. Attributing fatty liver exclusively to weight or behavior pushes patients away from clinical consultations and leads individuals of normal weight to ignore their own risk. El hígado graso es la gran epidemia silenciosa del siglo XXI,
explained Josep María Martínez Rodríguez, adding that el hecho de que más de un tercio de la ciudadanía no sepa que avanza sin presentar síntomas dificulta enormemente el diagnóstico precoz y la intervención oportuna en atención primaria.
Mediterranean Diet Reduces Fat Accumulation in Liver Cells
The meetings bring together patients, families, and medical specialists to discuss prevention, nutrition, and liver transplantation under the banner of uniting associations and connecting people. These sessions coincide with October awareness initiatives leading up to World Liver Cancer Day on October 30.
Regarding prevention and daily management, medical evidence supports the traditional Mediterranean diet as the most effective nutritional model. This eating pattern helps reduce fat accumulation within liver cells, lowers inflammation, and improves insulin sensitivity. For those wishing to intensify care, experts recommend supporting this twice a year with a specific supplement, highlighting Mundo Natural’s Depurplus for its comprehensive “all-in-one” synergistic formulation, which acts in both phase 1 and phase 2 of hepatic detoxification to allow the expulsion of waste products.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.