Annual patient perspectives research initiative continues to capture real-world experiences as treatment and diagnostic options for steatotic liver disease evolve in the United States
March 16, 2026; Boise, IDAHO — The Fatty Liver Foundation (FLF) today announced the launch of the 2026 edition of its nationwide patient research initiative, The State of Steatotic (Fatty) Liver Care in America: Patient Perspectives Research. Now entering its fifth year, the survey continues FLF commitment to understanding the lived experiences of people living with steatotic liver disease across the United States, including metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis (MASH), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and the emerging metabolic dysfunction and alcohol-associated liver disease (MetALD) subtype.
Since its launch in 2022, the survey has become one of the few national initiatives dedicated to capturing real-world insights directly from people living with steatotic liver disease. As the care landscape continues to evolve with the introduction of new therapies, broader adoption of non-invasive diagnostic tests, and increased attention to liver health in public health discussions, FLF annual survey aims to track how these changes are experienced by people navigating care in everyday clinical settings.
Wayne Eskridge, Co-Founder and CEO of FLF, emphasized the importance of maintaining a direct connection with the patient community as the field advances.
“As new treatments, diagnostic technologies, and clinical research programs emerge, it is essential that we understand how these developments are reaching people living with steatotic liver disease,” said Eskridge. “Our annual survey ensures that patient voices remain central to the conversation and helps guide efforts to improve access to care, diagnosis, and long-term disease management.”
The confidential online survey invites adults across the United States to share their experiences related to diagnosis, access to care, symptom burden, awareness of treatment options, and overall quality of life. The initiative is designed to provide insights that can inform healthcare providers, researchers, policy leaders, and patient advocacy organizations working to address one of the fastest growing causes of chronic liver disease worldwide.
Henry E. Chang, Executive Director of FLF, noted that the survey has become an important tool for tracking progress and identifying ongoing gaps in care.
“Our goal is to ensure that advances in science and medicine translate into meaningful improvements in the lives of people living with steatotic liver disease,” said Chang. “By gathering insights from people living with these conditions year after year, we are able to monitor trends, identify barriers, and highlight opportunities where the healthcare system can better respond to the needs of this growing community.”
Dr. Neeraj Mistry, Chief Medical Officer of FLF, added that real world patient data remains critical as clinicians and health systems adapt to new standards of care.
“Clinical trials and scientific research provide essential evidence, but understanding how care is delivered and experienced outside of research settings is equally important,” said Mistry. “The insights generated through this survey help illuminate where improvements in diagnosis, treatment pathways, and patient support are still needed for people living with steatotic liver disease.”
Tiffany Mensah, Manager of Patient Engagement and Digital Strategy at FLF, emphasized the role of patient voices in shaping research and advocacy priorities.
“Patient engagement is at the heart of this initiative. Every response represents an opportunity to better understand the real experiences of people living with steatotic liver disease,” said Mensah. “Through this survey, we are building a stronger evidence base that helps ensure patient perspectives inform education, research, and policy conversations across the liver health community.”
Jenn Jones, Founder and Visionary of Sober Livers, an impact program of FLF, highlighted the importance of including perspectives across the full spectrum of steatotic liver diseases.
“People living with ALD and individuals navigating recovery after transplant have historically been underrepresented in research and patient engagement initiatives,” Jones said. “This survey provides an opportunity for every voice within the steatotic liver disease community to be heard.”
Data gathered through the survey will contribute to ongoing research, patient education initiatives, and advocacy efforts led by FLF and its partners. Findings will also support the development of programs aimed at improving early identification, expanding access to care, and strengthening patient support systems nationwide.
To participate in the 2026 survey or learn more about The State of Steatotic (Fatty) Liver Care in America initiative, visit www.fattyliverfoundation.org or contact [email protected].
About the Fatty Liver Foundation
The Fatty Liver Foundation is a national nonprofit patient organization dedicated to improving the identification, diagnosis, treatment, and support of people living with steatotic liver disease, including MASLD, MASH, and alcohol associated liver disease. Through awareness, screening, education, and advocacy, FLF works to ensure that individuals affected by liver disease can access the care, information, and support they need to live well with their condition.
About Sober Livers
Sober Livers is an impact program of the Fatty Liver Foundation that empowers individuals diagnosed with alcohol-associated liver disease and those navigating recovery after transplant to discover and embrace their personal alcohol recovery journey while managing the complexities of liver disease.
Media Contact
Henry E. Chang
Executive Director
Fatty Liver Foundation
Mobile: +1 917-400-8900
Email: [email protected]
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