A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the stigma experienced by patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and healthcare providers. Surveys were completed by 1,976 patients with NAFLD across 23 countries and 825 healthcare providers from 25 countries. Nearly half (48%) of patients had disclosed their condition to family or friends, with “fatty liver” being the most common term used (88%), while “metabolic disease” or “MAFLD” were rarely used. Only 8% of patients reported experiencing stigma directly related to NAFLD, while 26% felt stigma from comorbidities such as obesity. Among healthcare providers, 38% felt the term “fatty” was stigmatizing, and 42% believed that changing the name to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) might help reduce stigma.

The study highlighted a disconnect between patients and providers regarding stigma perceptions and diagnostic terminology. Providers in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region were more likely to view terms like “nonalcoholic” as stigmatizing. The findings suggest that efforts to change the nomenclature of NAFLD, such as to MASLD, could help reduce stigma.

Reference: Younossi ZM, Alqahtani SA, Alswat K,. Global survey of stigma among physicians and patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. J Hepatol. 2024 Mar;80(3):419-430. doi: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.11.004. Epub 2023 Nov 18. PMID: 37984709.