Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) occurs when fat builds up in the liver. It is the most common chronic liver disease and the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality in the world. MASLD occurs in association with one or more of five cardiometabolic risk factors, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and low HDL cholesterol.

Globally, over one-third of the adult population has MASLD, and 7 – 14% of children and adolescents are affected. By 2040, the percentage of affected adults is expected to increase from 38% to 55% worldwide, as obesity and type 2 diabetes become more prevalent. Deaths caused by MASLD and related to cardiovascular disease and liver-related conditions are also expected to increase.

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