B4243 - Investigating the rise of liver disease in young adults in the UK - 01/03/2023
90% of liver disease is potentially preventable with the main causes in the UK being damage from alcohol and obesity. Advanced liver disease rarely causes symptoms until very late. Sadly, liver disease is now one of the leading causes of death in 35-49 year olds. However, not all people who drink too much alcohol or have obesity will get liver disease early. Our study seeks to understand why some adults are developing liver disease earlier. By understanding who is developing liver disease early, and why, we can inform public health strategies, and target people most in need of support.
Whilst it can take many years to develop advanced liver disease, this provides an opportunity. Detecting liver disease early, in the community, can allow healthcare professionals to provide lifestyle advice, medication and surveillance to reduce the chance of patients developing complications of liver disease.