Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) may affect up to 47% of adults in Mexico, according to a review published in Archives of Medical Research. Lead author Jeffrey Lazarus, a professor at the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, argues that Mexico must integrate liver health into existing obesity and diabetes programs to combat the condition, which is now the leading cause of cirrhosis in Mexican referral centers.
The Scale of Liver Disease in Mexico
Liver disease has become the fifth leading cause of death in Mexico. Data cited by the CUNY Graduate School of Public Health shows more than 19,000 deaths were recorded in the first half of 2025 alone.
The primary driver is MASLD, a condition where fat accumulates in the liver alongside cardiometabolic risk factors. A multicenter screening study across five Mexican states found that 47% of participants met the criteria for the disease. This prevalence mirrors the high rates of comorbid conditions in the region; obesity affects an estimated 39% of Mexican adults, while type 2 diabetes affects 16.4%.
Did you know? About one in five people with MASLD develop MASH, a progressive inflammatory form of the disease that can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis.
Why MASLD is Now the Leading Cause of Cirrhosis
Between 2018 and 2024, MASLD accounted for 42.8% of cirrhosis cases at Mexican referral centers. This shift indicates that metabolic health—rather than just alcohol or viral hepatitis—is now the primary driver of end-stage liver failure in these facilities.
Jeffrey Lazarus notes that treating these conditions in silos is a mistake. According to Lazarus, treating liver disease separately from diabetes and obesity “misses a major opportunity to define and implement a much more cohesive and effective public health response.”
Future Trends: Integrating Liver Care into Public Health
The CUNY review suggests a transition toward “cohesive care,” where liver health is no longer a secondary concern. Several concrete shifts are proposed to modernize Mexico’s approach to noncommunicable diseases:
- Blood-Based Screening: Adding simple liver screenings to the standard care packages already provided to patients with diabetes and obesity.
- Non-Invasive Diagnostics: Expanding access to diagnostic tools within the public sector to identify liver scarring without requiring invasive biopsies.
- Survey Integration: Incorporating liver risk measures into ENSANUT, Mexico’s national health and nutrition survey. While ENSANUT already collects underlying metabolic data, it does not currently assess liver-specific risk.
The urgency for these changes has increased because the first medical treatment for MASH has officially reached the market. This means screening now leads directly to actionable clinical care rather than just monitoring decline.
Pro Tip: If you are managing type 2 diabetes or obesity, ask your provider about non-invasive liver screenings. Early detection of MASLD is critical before it progresses to MASH or cirrhosis.
Comparison of Metabolic Risk Factors in Mexico
| Condition | Estimated Prevalence (Adults) |
|---|---|
| MASLD (Screening Study) | 47% |
| Obesity | 39% |
| Type 2 Diabetes | 16.4% |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between MASLD and MASH?
MASLD is the buildup of fat in the liver associated with metabolic risk factors. MASH is a more severe, progressive inflammatory stage of the disease that can cause permanent liver damage, cirrhosis, and cancer.
Why is Mexico’s liver disease rate so high?
According to the CUNY review, the high prevalence is closely linked to the country’s existing crises with obesity and type 2 diabetes, which serve as primary risk factors for liver fat accumulation.
How can MASLD be detected early?
The review recommends blood-based screenings and non-invasive diagnostic tools, which can be integrated into routine care for those with cardiometabolic risks.
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