Taiwan health experts warn of rising fatty liver disease in men

Health experts in Taiwan are warning about the rising prevalence of fatty liver disease among middle-aged men, often associated with increased abdominal fat, colloquially known as a "dad bod." Research indicates that approximately 39.7% of men in Taiwan suffer from fatty liver, and 72.9% of men aged 35–44 are overweight or obese.

Dr. Li Zong-ying of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital noted that fatty liver can progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. It is also linked to increased risks of type 2 diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease, the latter being a primary cause of death for these patients. One case involved a 50-year-old engineer who was diagnosed with moderate liver fibrosis (F2), signifying structural changes in the liver.

Medical professionals recommend lifestyle adjustments, including diet and exercise, as the first line of treatment. Losing 3–5% of body weight can reduce fat accumulation, while a 10% reduction may resolve steatohepatitis. For those requiring clinical intervention, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) has approved GLP-1 receptor agonists as a treatment option to manage weight and metabolic risks.