1 in 4 Americans at Risk for Fatty Liver Disease but Many Remain Undiagnosed

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May 20, 2022, 12:38 ET

American Liver Foundation Launches Think Liver Think Life® campaign to Screen Nationwide

FAIRFIELD, N.J., May 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- The rise in obesity and diabetes in the United States is fueling a little understood yet life-threatening disease known as fatty liver disease, which affects an estimated 100 million people, many of whom are unaware they even have it. In its most severe form, fatty liver disease can progress to liver failure. To address this growing problem American Liver Foundation has announced a nationwide screening and public awareness campaign, Think Liver Think Life, launching this summer to test at-risk children and adults in all 50 states over the next five years.

"We absolutely have to address this looming public health crisis and Think Liver Think Life will play a significant role in helping us do just that," said Lorraine Stiehl, Chief Executive Officer, American Liver Foundation. "A team of ALF's health specialists will partner with local community health centers and state departments of health to screen those most at risk for fatty liver disease and provide a connection to follow-up care where appropriate. Getting a diagnosis early is critical because it gives patients a chance to reverse course before liver disease progresses."

Those most at risk for fatty liver disease, also known as Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), include people with type 2 diabetes, high BMI or obesity, and Hispanic and Asian communities. NAFLD is one of the most common causes of liver disease in the U.S. and the most common cause of liver disease worldwide, affecting as many as one billion people. It is the most common form of liver disease in children and has more than doubled over the past 20 years. NAFLD causes excess fat to build up in the liver, has few or no symptoms and its exact causes are still being studied though research points to genetics, digestive disorders, and diet. It is not caused by heavy alcohol use (alcohol-associated liver disease). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a form of NAFLD causing inflammation of the liver and liver damage, which can lead to liver failure.

Think Liver Think Life aims to help prevent and detect liver disease earlier, affect better management and treatment of liver disease, reduce stigma associated with liver disease, address health inequalities, advance changes in federal policy and increase funding for research. The campaign launches in ten states this summer with diagnostic testing including liver panels, viral hepatitis antibody screening, and assessments to help identify NAFLD/NASH and liver cancer. It also includes a public awareness campaign, patient and provider education, and a resource and information center all kicking off in October 2022.

"The potential impact of Think Liver Think Life is enormous," said Tamar Taddei, MD, ALF National Medical Advisor and Professor of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine. "Early screening and diagnosis will not only help reduce the long-term effects of fatty liver disease but reduce costs associated with treating the disease over a patient's lifetime." It is estimated that the United States will spend $175 billion to treat patients with NASH over the next two decades.

The initial ten states with screenings this summer are: Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Kentucky, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas and West Virginia adding ten states each year over the next five years. For more information visit liverfoundation.org.

About the American Liver Foundation
The American Liver Foundation is the nation's largest non-profit organization focused solely on promoting liver health and disease prevention. The American Liver Foundation achieves its mission in the fight against liver disease by funding scientific research, education for medical professionals, advocacy, information and support programs for patients and their families as well as public awareness campaigns about liver wellness and disease prevention. The mission of the American Liver Foundation is to promote education, advocacy, support services and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease. For more information visit www.liverfoundation.org or call:1 800 GO LIVER (800-465-4837).

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