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Liver related problems are continuously increasing not only in India but all over the world. In the last 4 decades, liver related cases have increased approximately 150 times. According to a study published in ‘The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology’ journal, in the year 2023, about 1.3 billion people worldwide were living with the disease ‘Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease’ (MASLD). This rate is 143 percent more than in 1990.
Based on data from the ‘Global Burden of Disease, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study’ (GBD) 2023, this study also estimates that by the year 2050, cases of MASLD at the global level may increase to about 1.8 billion. The main reason for the continuous increase of this disease is the increase in population and rapid change in lifestyle, along with this it also includes the increasing rates of obesity and high blood sugar.
More problems in North Africa and Middle East
The researchers, working as Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 MASLD collaborators, also found in their study that MASLD rates were much higher in regions such as North Africa and the Middle East compared to other regions. He also found that a large number of people are falling prey to this disease, but the situation in terms of deaths is balanced. The overall health impact of the disease – measured by cases of illness or death – has remained stable.
The researchers said in their report that these results show that advances in treatment and care are helping people live longer and healthier lives, and that much of the increase in the number of sick people is happening in the early stages of the disease.
What is the reason for increasing liver problems?
However, he also said that the increasing number of cases still means that many people are at risk of serious health problems like liver cirrhosis or cancer in the future. The team said that the study has revealed that amidst urbanization and changes in lifestyle, the impact of MASLD is more visible on youth in low and middle income countries.
He said that this study also underlines the importance of recognizing MASLD as a health priority at a global level and developing specific policies, awareness campaigns and intervention programs to reduce its increasing impact as well as prevent future complications.
They say, “In 2023, approximately 1.3 billion people were living with MASLD (i.e., approximately 16.1 percent of the world population), with an age-standardized prevalence rate of 14,429.3 per 100,000 population. This is a 142.7 percent increase in statistical terms and a 28.6 percent increase in rates compared to 1990.” (11,217.2 per 1,00,000 in 1990).”
