Fatty Liver Foundation to Present New Findings Expanding Understanding of Steatotic Liver Disease Patient Experiences at AASLD The Liver Meeting® 2024

November 7, 2024; Boise, IDAHO — The Fatty Liver Foundation (FLF) will present new insights into the evolving experiences of individuals with Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD), including Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis (MASH), and Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease (ALD), at this year’s The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) The Liver Meeting® (TLM), held from November 15-19 in San Diego, California. The poster presentation, titled "Evolution of MASLD/MASH Patient Experiences: Insights from ‘The State of Steatotic (Fatty) Liver Care in America’ Surveys 2022-2024" (Abstract Number: 2299), provides a comprehensive look at patient-reported challenges, access to care, and progress in SLD management across the U.S.

Over the last three years, FLF’s annual surveys have established a significant, growing database with responses from 713 participants in 2022, 805 in 2023, and 932 in 2024. This large dataset provides meaningful insights into patient journeys, with implications for both clinical practice and policy recommendations aimed at improving patient care and equitable access.

This year marks a milestone, as FLF's survey expanded to include individuals with ALD, who represented approximately 4% of respondents in 2024. This inclusion reflects FLF’s commitment to supporting all individuals with SLD, and FLF expects this representation to grow as programs like Sober Livers, an impact program of FLF, reach more individuals across the SLD spectrum.

The poster will be presented on Saturday, November 16, with Dr. Neeraj Mistry, Chief Medical Officer of FLF and lead author, available for questions and networking at the designated presentation time from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM PST. Alongside Dr. Mistry, the poster reflects the collaborative efforts of Wayne Eskridge, Co-Founder and CEO of FLF; Henry E. Chang, Executive Director of FLF; Tiffany Mensah, Program Coordinator of FLF; Surya Gollapudi, Public Health Intern of FLF; and Dr. Tarek Hassanein from Southern California Liver Centers, Inc., each bringing unique insights and expertise to support individuals affected by SLD.

Key Findings Highlighted in the Presentation:

• Increasing Diagnostic Awareness: Survey data from 2022 to 2024 reveals a steady rise in awareness among healthcare providers about the risks and prevalence of MASLD/MASH, leading to improved early diagnosis rates across patient demographics. This growing awareness is crucial for early detection initiatives, particularly among primary care physicians, with implications for policy and public health efforts.
• Disparities in Access to Care: The findings show significant disparities in patient access to specialized MASLD/MASH care, especially among underserved populations. Despite awareness efforts, barriers to care—including multidisciplinary teams, insurance coverage, and proximity to specialized care centers—remain a critical issue impacting patient outcomes, suggesting a need for targeted policies that address these inequities.
• Patient Engagement in Treatment: Over the past two years, survey data indicates increased patient engagement in lifestyle modifications and adherence to SLD-specific treatment plans, yet challenges persist in maintaining long-term management and follow-up care. These findings highlight potential areas for community support and social services that address the social determinants of health, which could promote sustainable treatment adherence.

“Through this research, we’re able to track real, on-the-ground changes in how SLD patients are diagnosed, treated, and supported,” said Wayne Eskridge, Co-Founder and CEO of FLF. “Our surveys offer critical perspectives that can drive more inclusive and impactful care models for this patient community, with potential policy implications for equitable access and support.”

Reflecting on the broader impact of these findings, Henry E. Chang, Executive Director of FLF, added, “We’re encouraged to see growing recognition of SLD’s impact. By identifying gaps and achievements in care, we can better align our initiatives to support those who need it most and contribute meaningful data to the policy conversation.”

Dr. Neeraj Mistry, Chief Medical Officer of FLF, noted, “Presenting at AASLD’s The Liver Meeting® allows us to share these important insights with an influential audience of liver health professionals. Our findings highlight both progress and critical unmet needs, and we look forward to engaging in meaningful dialogue with other experts in the field.”

In addition to the poster presentation, FLF will also host a Community Conversations virtual session on Saturday, November 16, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM PST, titled "Unheard Voices: What the 2024 Fatty Liver Survey Tells Us About the Patient Journey." This session will delve into the findings of the 2024 State of Steatotic (Fatty) Liver Care in America survey, sharing real-life experiences of adults living with steatotic liver disease. Participants will explore patient challenges, from diagnosis to treatment, and understand how these experiences shape the future of liver health care. This is a valuable opportunity to hear patient voices and insights that could further inform patient-centered policies in liver health.

Register today to secure your spot for the virtual session, as space is limited: [Zoom Link]

Attendees of The Liver Meeting® 2024 are encouraged to visit FLF’s poster presentation to explore these findings and gain a deeper understanding of the latest trends in MASLD/MASH care.

FLF relies on donations and grants to sustain this annual care survey program and continue expanding its reach. The Foundation welcomes conversations with companies, donors, and organizations interested in understanding patient perspectives on SLD and supporting ongoing research.

About the Fatty Liver Foundation

The Fatty Liver Foundation is a non-profit patient advocacy organization dedicated to improving the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and support of people living with fatty liver, NAFLD/MASLD, or NASH/MASH through awareness, screening, education, and patient outreach. FLF’s goal is to improve the lives of both asymptomatic and diagnosed patients by raising awareness, advancing wellness screening, educating patients, and championing the development of responsive support systems for individuals affected by the growing epidemic of fatty liver disease. Connect with us on www.fattyliverfoundation.org, Facebook (Fatty Liver Foundation JUST LIVER NEWS), X (@LiverSaver), and YouTube (Fatty Liver Foundation).

Media Contact

Henry E. Chang

Executive Director, Fatty Liver Foundation
+1 917 400 8900 | [email protected] 

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