GLI’s Liver Action Network Emphasizes the Link between NASH and Obesity on World Obesity Day
As members of Global Liver Institute’s Liver Action Network (LAN), the undersigned organizations are proud to take part in World Obesity Day. We recognize the relationship between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), its advanced form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and obesity.
Worldwide, NASH affects more than 148 million people and continues to become more prevalent each year. Research has closely linked the presence of NASH to metabolic comorbidities such as obesity and diabetes. With the expectation that 1 in 4 individuals will be obese by 2035, it is crucial that we utilize unbiased and science-based approaches to both NASH and obesity care.
Today, the LAN pledges collective support of World Obesity Day to acknowledge the strong connection between NASH and obesity. As representatives of the liver advocacy community, we stand alongside the obesity advocacy community in recognizing obesity as a serious and complex condition that is a risk factor for developing NASH. We set forth the following recommendations to reduce the risk of NASH and obesity:
- The prevalence of obesity among diagnosed NASH patients is as high as 81%. Therefore, we strongly encourage increased support of local, national, and global public health initiatives addressing obesity.
- Due to NASH’s strong link to obesity, 7-10% weight loss is understood as the threshold needed to induce the highest rates of NASH resolution and fibrosis regression. However, weight loss can be difficult to accomplish. Thus, we support access to available, safe, and effective obesity treatment options.
This coalition stands ready to partner with other like-minded initiatives in the areas of NASH, obesity and diabetes to amplify the message of the correlation between these conditions. We look forward to collectively supporting those affected by and/or living with liver diseases.
Liver Action Network Members:
Global Liver Institute
Arizona Liver Health
Community Liver Alliance
Empire Liver Foundation
Fatty Liver Alliance
Fatty Liver Foundation
Liver Coalition of San Diego
Liver Health Foundation
Midsouth Liver Alliance
NASH kNOWledge
Northeast Ohio Liver Alliance
Texas Liver Foundation
About Global Liver Institute
Global Liver Institute (GLI) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in the belief that liver health must take its place on the global public health agenda commensurate with the prevalence and impact of liver illness. GLI promotes innovation, encourages collaboration, and supports the scaling of optimal approaches to help eradicate liver diseases. Operating globally, GLI is committed to solving the problems that matter to liver patients and equipping advocates to improve the lives of individuals and families impacted by liver disease. Follow GLI on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
