A new review reveals that fatty liver disease now affects 38% of people worldwide, largely due to eating too many processed foods. This liver condition, called MASLD, has increased by 50% in just 20 years and hits some communities harder than others. Hispanic and rural populations face the highest risks, while older adults and Hispanic women show the fastest rising rates. The disease isn’t just about genetics - it’s also about food access, income levels, and healthcare availability. Understanding these connections could help doctors create better, more personalized treatments for everyone.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How modern diets full of processed foods are causing fatty liver disease and why it affects some racial and ethnic groups more than others
  • Who participated: This was a comprehensive review of existing research rather than a study with specific participants
  • Key finding: Fatty liver disease now affects 38% of people globally - a 50% jump in 20 years - with Hispanic and rural communities facing the highest risks
  • What it means for you: Cutting back on processed foods and understanding your family history may help protect your liver, but access to healthy food and healthcare also matters

The Research Details

This narrative review examined multiple studies and data sources to understand why fatty liver disease (MASLD) is becoming so common and why it affects different groups unequally. The researchers looked at genetic factors, diet patterns, social conditions, and healthcare access across various populations. They analyzed trends over the past two decades to identify the main drivers of this liver disease epidemic.

Review studies like this are valuable because they bring together findings from many different research projects to see the bigger picture. Instead of looking at just one small piece of the puzzle, this approach helps identify patterns and connections that might not be obvious from individual studies alone.

This review was published in a respected gastroenterology journal and examines a critical public health issue. However, as a narrative review rather than a systematic analysis, the findings depend on the authors’ selection and interpretation of existing research rather than new data collection.

What the Results Show

The research shows that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) - essentially fatty liver disease - has become a massive global health problem. In just 20 years, it went from affecting about 25% of people to 38% worldwide. This dramatic increase coincides with people eating more processed and ultra-processed foods, along with more sedentary lifestyles. The disease is now the second most common reason people need liver transplants in Europe and the United States. What’s particularly concerning is that MASLD is becoming a major cause of liver cancer, especially among Hispanic and non-Hispanic White populations. The fastest-growing rates are seen in older adults and Hispanic women, particularly those living in low-income and rural areas.

The review revealed that genetics play a role in who develops MASLD, with certain gene variations making some people more susceptible than others. However, genetic differences alone can’t explain why the disease affects different racial and ethnic groups so unequally. Social factors like food insecurity, living in areas without access to healthy foods (food deserts), and limited healthcare access are major contributors. Even when new medications become available to treat MASLD, not everyone has equal access to these treatments.

This review builds on previous research by connecting the dots between diet, genetics, social conditions, and liver disease in a comprehensive way. While earlier studies often looked at these factors separately, this analysis shows how they work together to create health disparities. The 50% increase in MASLD prevalence over two decades represents one of the most dramatic rises in any chronic disease during this period.

As a narrative review, this study relies on the authors’ interpretation of existing research rather than analyzing new data. The review doesn’t include a systematic search strategy, which means some relevant studies might have been missed. Additionally, the quality and methods of the individual studies reviewed may vary, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions about cause and effect.

The Bottom Line

Focus on eating fewer processed and ultra-processed foods while increasing whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Regular physical activity remains crucial for liver health. People from high-risk groups (Hispanic populations, those in rural areas, older adults) should discuss liver health screening with their healthcare providers. However, individual changes alone aren’t enough - we also need policy changes to improve food access and healthcare availability in underserved communities.

Everyone should be aware of MASLD risk, but this information is especially important for Hispanic individuals, people living in rural or low-income areas, older adults, and anyone with a family history of liver disease or diabetes. Healthcare providers working with these populations should pay particular attention to liver health screening and culturally appropriate interventions.

Liver health improvements from dietary changes may be noticeable within 3-6 months, but preventing or reversing fatty liver disease typically requires long-term lifestyle changes. Population-level improvements will likely take years and require coordinated policy efforts to address food access and healthcare disparities.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily servings of processed foods (packaged snacks, fast food, sugary drinks) versus whole foods (fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins) with a goal of reducing processed food intake by 25% over 3 months
  • Use the app to identify and gradually replace ultra-processed foods in your diet with whole food alternatives, starting with one meal or snack per day
  • Monitor liver health indicators like weight, waist circumference, and energy levels while tracking dietary changes, and discuss liver function testing with your healthcare provider if you’re in a high-risk group

This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you’re concerned about liver health or have risk factors for fatty liver disease, consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance and appropriate screening.