Rising MASLD affects millions in the UK

Hannah Fewtrell’s case shows how MASLD can affect middle aged adults and signals a broader UK health trend.

Rising fatty liver disease hits Britons amid lifestyle shifts

Hannah Fewtrell, 49, felt constant fatigue and mood changes she first blamed on menopause. A scan last October revealed MASLD, the renamed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition thought to affect up to 15 million Britons. It is linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes and often has no clear symptoms, making routine tests important for detection.

Experts say the rise in MASLD reflects changes in lifestyle and diet across the country. Weight loss and a Mediterranean style diet can reduce liver fat and may reverse damage if caught early. Regular exercise helps even when weight loss is slow, and doctors stress that extreme or crash diets are not sustainable long term. New drugs are showing promise but they are not a universal cure and costs are a concern for the health system. Public awareness and screening are key to catching the disease before it progresses.

This story highlights a broader shift in how liver disease is understood. It is no longer tied mainly to heavy drinking or old age but to everyday choices and metabolic health. That shift puts pressure on public health messaging to promote practical, sustainable actions rather than quick fixes. It also exposes gaps in screening, as many people have no symptoms until the disease is advanced. The article balances hope with realism by noting that lifestyle changes work and that drugs may help some patients, though cost and access remain big questions.

Highlights

The health system faces a growing task as fatty liver disease becomes part of everyday health planning.