Liver health in the UK has reached a critical juncture, as evidenced by the staggering increase in liver disease deaths over recent generations. Driven by factors such as obesity, alcohol consumption, and viral hepatitis, these conditions are placing immense, avoidable pressures on the NHS and the economy. The British Liver Trust has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to tackle these issues, stressing that liver disease disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, widening health inequalities.

The Alarming Rise in Liver Disease

Over the past two generations, liver disease deaths have increased by more than 400%. This steep rise is primarily fueled by lifestyle-related factors, making liver disease the second leading cause of premature death and lost working years in England and Wales. Currently, over 18,000 people die annually from liver disease and liver cancer, underscoring the severity of this public health crisis.

Impact of Obesity, Alcohol, and Viral Hepatitis

Obesity and alcohol consumption are significant contributors to the liver disease epidemic. The UK has one of the highest rates of child alcohol misuse globally, with up to four in ten children with obesity estimated to have fatty liver disease. Alcohol-related liver disease deaths have risen by 87% over the last two decades. Combined, alcohol and obesity are estimated to cost the UK economy £27 billion and £58 billion per year, respectively.

The impact of viral hepatitis on liver health cannot be overstated. Stigma surrounding conditions such as hepatitis B can hinder individuals from seeking medical care or support, exacerbating health outcomes. Addressing these social and commercial determinants of health is vital for reversing the trends in liver disease mortality.

Health Inequalities and Societal Impact

Liver disease is emblematic of deeper health inequalities, with mortality rates four times higher in the most deprived communities compared to the most affluent. Individuals in these communities are more likely to develop, be hospitalised by, and die from liver disease. This disparity highlights the need for targeted interventions to ensure equitable access to healthcare services and support.

The British Liver Trust reports that stigma is a significant barrier, preventing almost one in three individuals from seeking medical care for liver-related conditions. Furthermore, one-third of all liver disease deaths in England occur in the North, exacerbated by diets high in fat, salt, and sugar, along with alcohol harm.

Economic and Healthcare System Burdens

The cost-of-living crisis has further strained the nation’s health, reducing productivity and adding pressure on an already overburdened NHS. Hospital admissions due to liver disease have risen by nearly 80% in the past decade, while liver cancer remains the fastest-rising cause of cancer death in the UK.

Prevention, Early Detection, and Policy Action

The British Liver Trust advocates for bold population-wide measures to reshape the unhealthy food and drink environment, reduce childhood obesity, and implement comprehensive alcohol strategies. With 90% of liver disease being preventable, focusing on prevention and early detection is crucial.

Early diagnosis of liver disease is essential, as liver damage can often be reversed if caught in time. Sadly, many cases are only diagnosed at emergency stages, when treatment options are limited. Expanding the rollout of innovative diagnostic technologies in primary and community care settings is vital for boosting early detection and improving outcomes.

British Liver Trust’s Call to Action

The British Liver Trust calls on the UK Government to take decisive action to transform liver health through prevention, early detection, and improved access to care. This includes comprehensive strategies to address health inequalities, reduce stigma, and ensure person-centred care for those with liver conditions.

Source: British Liver Trust