Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Health Concern in Nigeria

Fatty liver disease, previously termed Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is increasingly recognized as a significant health issue in Nigeria and worldwide. Dr. Wellington Roberts, based in Abuja, explained that the condition is now referred to as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), highlighting its connection to metabolic problems like obesity, insulin resistance, and abnormal blood sugar levels.

Prof. Zobair Younossi, a leading hepatologist, noted that MASLD is becoming a major public health challenge, with studies indicating it affects approximately 38% of adults globally and between 7% and 14% of children and adolescents. The Global NAFLD/MASLD Forecasting Study predicts that over half of the adult population could be affected by MASLD by 2040 if current obesity and diabetes trends continue.

The disease often develops without noticeable symptoms, leading to significant liver damage before diagnosis, contrasting with more commonly discussed health issues like malaria and hypertension.