A new report warns that liver disease is becoming a "silent epidemic" in Europe, causing around 300 deaths each year—although most cases are preventable.
The study, published by the EASL–Lancet Commission, identifies alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, obesity and viral hepatitis as the main factors that are increasing the number of cases.
Lifestyle changes make the difference
According to experts, improving lifestyles could cut cases by almost half in the European Union and beyond. Measures such as alcohol taxes, earlier screening and rapid diagnosis could have a major impact.
The report estimates that liver diseases cost Europe around €55 billion per year, due to lost productivity and healthcare costs.
A growing problem
Data shows that cases have increased significantly in recent decades, largely due to increased alcohol consumption and obesity. However, more and more cases are also occurring in people who consume little or no alcohol.
One of the most common forms is Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), linked to type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.
This disease often develops without symptoms for years, causing many people to be diagnosed only after liver damage is advanced.
Serious health consequences
If left untreated, fat builds up in the liver, causing inflammation and damage that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, or even cancer.
Experts also warn of the strong link to metabolic syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Urgent call for action
The report highlights that digital advertising and social networks are increasingly influencing young people, promoting alcohol and unhealthy food.
Experts call for stronger public policies, including raising prices of harmful products, expanding control programs, and improving access to treatment.
"Without urgent intervention, more lives will be lost to preventable diseases," warn specialists, emphasizing that the focus should be on the causes and not just the consequences. /GazetaExpress/
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