A Gastroenterologist's Approach to Improving Metabolic Health in MASLD

Gastroenterologists are often the first to encounter patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. While MASLD can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of mortality in this population. This heightened risk is largely driven by the strong association between MASLD and CVD risk factors, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Therefore, addressing metabolic health is a fundamental component of MASLD management. Gastroenterologists play a key role in identifying metabolic risk factors, recommending lifestyle, and pharmacologic interventions, in consultation with specialists or multidisciplinary care teams when appropriate. This review provides a practical framework for integrating metabolic health optimization into routine MASLD care, equipping gastroenterologists with the necessary tools to improve both liver-related and overall patient outcomes.