Experts Warn: Fatty Liver Linked to Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer Risks

On April 13, 2026, the Central News Agency reported that the Taiwan Liver Disease Medical Promotion Association highlighted the serious health implications of fatty liver. While often dismissed as a minor issue in health screenings, fatty liver can evolve into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This condition is strongly correlated with elevated risks of cardiovascular disease, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Golden Horse Best Actor Anthony Wong participated in a public health campaign as a fatty liver health education ambassador, sharing his personal experience of initially overlooking asymptomatic fatty liver until a check-up revealed both fatty liver and blocked blood vessels. Gao Jiahong, President of the Taiwan Liver Disease Medical Promotion Association, issued a press release explaining that metabolic fatty liver reflects a broader systemic metabolic imbalance, frequently linked to obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia. He noted that some patients may develop metabolic steatohepatitis, which significantly raises the risk of liver fibrosis and liver cancer. Furthermore, Gao Jiahong stated that metabolic steatohepatitis is a crucial risk factor for severe cardiovascular disease and liver cancer, with cardiovascular diseases often being the primary cause of death for affected individuals. He urged individuals with fatty liver, abnormal liver enzyme levels, or metabolic risk factors such as 'three highs,' obesity, or large waist circumference to seek early medical evaluation and intervention, rather than self-treating or delaying care, to effectively mitigate future liver and cardiovascular disease risks.