Fatty liver disease (FLD), particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a growing global health issue, with significant prevalence in China. The disease is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome. Recent studies indicate that the global prevalence of NAFLD is around 32.4%, with higher rates in men than women. The prevalence has increased over the past two decades, with Latin America having the highest rates, followed by the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. China has the highest incidence of NAFLD among Asian countries, with a rate of 59.40/1,000 person-years. In China, the prevalence of NAFLD is high, with 29.6% in the past 20 years, and it is more common in men than women. The prevalence of NAFLD in obese and overweight individuals is significantly higher than in non-obese individuals. The disease is also associated with T2DM, with a high prevalence in patients with obesity and T2DM. The incidence of NAFLD has been increasing over time, and the prevalence of NAFLD in children is also rising, with a higher prevalence in boys than in girls. NAFLD is often classified as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which are broader categories that include NAFLD. The prevalence of MAFLD/MASLD is likely higher than that of NAFLD. Despite its significant disease burden, NAFLD is not adequately addressed in national and international non-communicable disease strategies. Effective measures are needed to reduce the disease burden of NAFLD, as it is a major public health issue. Collaboration among hepatologists and other stakeholders is essential to improve NAFLD care and treatment.Fatty liver disease (FLD), particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a growing global health issue, with significant prevalence in China. The disease is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and metabolic syndrome. Recent studies indicate that the global prevalence of NAFLD is around 32.4%, with higher rates in men than women. The prevalence has increased over the past two decades, with Latin America having the highest rates, followed by the Middle East and North Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. China has the highest incidence of NAFLD among Asian countries, with a rate of 59.40/1,000 person-years. In China, the prevalence of NAFLD is high, with 29.6% in the past 20 years, and it is more common in men than women. The prevalence of NAFLD in obese and overweight individuals is significantly higher than in non-obese individuals. The disease is also associated with T2DM, with a high prevalence in patients with obesity and T2DM. The incidence of NAFLD has been increasing over time, and the prevalence of NAFLD in children is also rising, with a higher prevalence in boys than in girls. NAFLD is often classified as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which are broader categories that include NAFLD. The prevalence of MAFLD/MASLD is likely higher than that of NAFLD. Despite its significant disease burden, NAFLD is not adequately addressed in national and international non-communicable disease strategies. Effective measures are needed to reduce the disease burden of NAFLD, as it is a major public health issue. Collaboration among hepatologists and other stakeholders is essential to improve NAFLD care and treatment.