Author: aracila

Projected Global Clinical, Humanistic, and Economic Impact of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH)

MASH is rapidly emerging as one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide, yet its economic impact has often been underestimated. The Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC) recently conducted an in-depth analysis of the future burden of MASH across nine countries, including the U.S., Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Japan, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia, projecting clinical, humanistic, and economic trends through 2040. The findings are striking. MASH cases and the associated healthcare costs are projected to rise sharply in every country studied. Beyond direct medical expenses, the disease also drives growing productivity losses and declines in quality of life. As obesity and type 2 diabetes continue to rise, MASH is no longer just a liver disease, it is a global health and economic crisis in the making. The message for clinicians, policymakers, and health systems is clear: addressing MASH will require urgent, coordinated action across sectors. The time to act is now - to protect patients, reduce costs, and improve lives

International Paris Liver Meeting 2026- Save the Date

Dear Colleagues, We would like to invite you to save the date for the International Paris Liver Meeting 2026, a three-day program taking place January 19–21, 2026, covering the latest topics in hepatology, including steatotic liver disease (MASLD, MetALD, ALD), cholestatic liver diseases, viral hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and complications of cirrhosis. Join the international faculty of experts to share insights, practical approaches, and new strategies to advance patient care. We look forward to seeing you at the International Paris Liver Meeting 2026!

The Global NASH/MASH Council Meeting at ALEH 2025

The Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC) held a highly successful meeting during the annual ALEH Congress in Lima, Peru. Experts from across Latin America discussed key topics related to MASLD in the region, along with potential collaborative projects with GNC. The session was highly interactive and productive. GNC looks forward to strengthening its partnership with ALEH and colleagues from Latin America to advance the field together.

Global Consensus Recommendations for Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease and Steatohepatitis

This month’s cover of the prestigious journal Gastroenterology features a landmark study by the Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC), which developed global consensus recommendations on the burden, risk stratification, and treatment of MASLD/MASH. By systematically reviewing 61 guidance documents worldwide, the study identified 46 areas of discordance that may create uncertainty for clinicians. Through a four-round Delphi process, experts established unified recommendations on screening, risk stratification, and treatment, providing a practical resource to help clinicians identify high-risk patients, optimize management of comorbidities, and select preferred therapies. While these recommendations will need ongoing updates as new therapies and noninvasive tests emerge, the framework also serves to standardize global approaches to MASLD/MASH management and facilitate more consistent research and patient care.

Managing MASLD Through Preventive Hepatology: Integrating Policy Reform, Public Health, and Personalized Care

The prevalence of MASLD/MASH is rising globally, highlighting the urgent need for public health policies that emphasize both prevention and personalized care. MASLD/MASH carries significant clinical, humanistic, and economic burdens worldwide. Primary prevention strategies should prioritize lifestyle interventions guided by a social nutrition agenda, alongside public health initiatives to increase awareness among healthcare practitioners and the general public. For secondary prevention, non-invasive tests (NITs) should be implemented in primary care to enable early disease detection, and approved, accessible therapies targeting MASH should be recommended. Addressing MASLD/MASH through this integrated approach—combining policy reform, public health action, and personalized care—is critical to mitigating its growing impact. An article by the Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC) published today in Liver International, summarizes these important issues and explores all relevant topics in detail.

Welcoming the New Co-Chairs of the Patient Advocacy Committee of GNC/GLC

The GNC and GLC extend their heartfelt appreciation to Diane Langenbacher and Nikos Dedes for their outstanding leadership as co-chairs of the Patient Advocacy Committee over the past several years. Their dedication has been instrumental in ensuring that the patient voice remains central to all our initiatives, and we are deeply grateful for their contributions. We are also pleased that both Diane and Nikos will continue to serve as valued members of the committee. We are delighted to welcome Michael Betel and Jen Jones as the new co-chairs. Michael, President and Founder of the Fatty Liver Alliance, brings more than 30 years of leadership experience and has been a driving force in raising global awareness of MASLD and MASH while advocating for research, resources, and patient care. Jen, Founder of Sober Livers, is a powerful advocate for individuals living with alcohol-associated liver disease. Through her experience and professional expertise, she has championed efforts to reduce stigma, expand peer support, and promote equitable care in both national and international forums. Together, Michael and Jen bring vision, energy, and commitment that will be invaluable as the Patient Advocacy Committee enters its next chapter, ensuring that the needs and voices of patients continue to guide the work of the GNC and GLC.

Can we be flexible in exercise recommendations to people with MASLD?

People with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) benefit from physical activity. But incorporating regular physical activity into the daily routines of patients with MASLD can be challenging due to time limitations and accessibility issues. These challenges are further compounded by the fatigue associated with MASLD. To support individuals with MASLD in initiating and maintaining physical activity, it is therefore essential to recommend activity patterns that are both effective and personalized to enhance adherence and long-term engagement. So far, it has been unclear if exercising during concentrated time over two days per week, for example, on weekends ("weekend warrior" style) is as effective as spreading it throughout the week. The study from the Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC) published in Liver International found that both weekend warriors and regularly active individuals had lower rates of MASLD, lower risk of heart disease, and lower mortality than those who were inactive. These results suggest that even concentrated bursts of exercise can provide major health benefits for people with MASLD.

Steatotic Liver Disease: Evolving from Static Diagnosis to a Dynamic Spectrum

Members of the Global NASH/MASH Council (GNC) are helping reframe Steatotic Liver Disease as a dynamic and evolving spectrum. In a recently published letter, Drs. Zobair M. Younossi, Shira Zelber-Sagi and Aleksander Krag share their expert insights on the future of this significant liver disease. Their perspective highlights the urgent need for a unified approach to diagnosis, management, and global awareness. Download PDF version