2018 | Zobair Younossi, MD, MPH; Frank Tacke MD PhD; Marco Arrese MD; Barjesh Chander Sharma MD; Ibrahim Mostafa MD; Elisabetta Bugianesi MD; Vincent Wai-Sun Wong MD; Yusuf Yilmaz MD; Jacob George MD; Jiangao Fan MD; Miriam B. Vos MD, MSPH
This article presents a global overview of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), highlighting their prevalence, clinical outcomes, and economic burden across different regions. NAFLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of the global population. NASH, a more severe form of NAFLD, can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. The prevalence of NAFLD varies significantly by region, with higher rates in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In the Americas, NAFLD prevalence ranges from 24% in North America to 32% in South America. In Europe, it ranges from 20% to 30%, with higher rates in countries with higher BMI. In Asia, prevalence ranges from 15% to 40%, with lean NAFLD being more common in some regions. In the Middle East and Turkey, prevalence is also high, with rates exceeding 30%. In Africa, prevalence is lower, but data is limited. In Australia and Pacific countries, NAFLD is common, with high rates of obesity and T2DM contributing to its prevalence. NAFLD is also prevalent in children and adolescents, with higher rates in certain ethnic groups. NAFLD is associated with significant clinical and economic burdens, including liver-related mortality, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Currently, there is no approved treatment for NASH, and the lack of effective therapies and diagnostic tools is a major challenge. The article emphasizes the need for global collaboration to address the growing burden of NAFLD and NASH, including the development of biomarkers, improved diagnostic methods, and targeted interventions to reduce the disease burden.This article presents a global overview of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), highlighting their prevalence, clinical outcomes, and economic burden across different regions. NAFLD has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, affecting approximately 25% of the global population. NASH, a more severe form of NAFLD, can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. The prevalence of NAFLD varies significantly by region, with higher rates in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In the Americas, NAFLD prevalence ranges from 24% in North America to 32% in South America. In Europe, it ranges from 20% to 30%, with higher rates in countries with higher BMI. In Asia, prevalence ranges from 15% to 40%, with lean NAFLD being more common in some regions. In the Middle East and Turkey, prevalence is also high, with rates exceeding 30%. In Africa, prevalence is lower, but data is limited. In Australia and Pacific countries, NAFLD is common, with high rates of obesity and T2DM contributing to its prevalence. NAFLD is also prevalent in children and adolescents, with higher rates in certain ethnic groups. NAFLD is associated with significant clinical and economic burdens, including liver-related mortality, reduced quality of life, and increased healthcare costs. Currently, there is no approved treatment for NASH, and the lack of effective therapies and diagnostic tools is a major challenge. The article emphasizes the need for global collaboration to address the growing burden of NAFLD and NASH, including the development of biomarkers, improved diagnostic methods, and targeted interventions to reduce the disease burden.