Liver Disease Surges Among Chinese Teens as Cases Nearly Double in Five Years

A new study has revealed a sharp rise in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) among adolescents in several Chinese provinces. Over the past five years, cases in regions like Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Sichuan have nearly doubled, while Hainan has also seen a significant increase. Researchers warn that early detection and intervention are critical to preventing long-term liver damage in affected youth.

Between 2021 and 2025, the prevalence of MASLD in adolescents climbed from 10–15% to 20–25% in Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Sichuan provinces. Hainan experienced a more modest but still concerning rise, from 8% to 12%, according to national health surveys and studies in Hepatology and the Chinese Journal of Pediatrics. The latest survey, led by Zhou, Zhang, Chen, and colleagues, found that over 25% of adolescents aged 12 to 18 in Hainan now have the condition—higher than earlier estimates for similar age groups elsewhere.

The study pinpoints excessive fructose intake and declining physical activity as key modifiable risk factors. Socioeconomic status also plays a role, with adolescents from lower-income families facing a heavier disease burden. Male teenagers show higher rates of MASLD, often linked to obesity, central adiposity, and impaired glucose metabolism. Genetic factors, including variations in the *PNPLA3* and *TM6SF2* genes, further increase susceptibility in some individuals. Researchers stress the need for routine MASLD screening in paediatric healthcare, using non-invasive methods like biomarkers and transient elastography. They also call for deeper investigation into how ethnicity and regional differences across China influence disease patterns.

The findings underscore the urgency of public health measures to tackle the growing MASLD epidemic among adolescents. Proposed solutions include school-based health programmes, nutritional reforms, and initiatives to boost physical activity. Without intervention, the study warns, affected youth face a higher risk of developing severe liver disease later in life.