A recent survey reveals a significant gap in public understanding of cardiometabolic diseases in France,despite their growing prevalence and connection to serious health risks.While approximately 30% of adults have heard the term “cardiometabolic diseases,” a staggering 94% are unable to accurately define them, according to research from the IHU ICAN center. This lack of awareness extends to specific conditions like metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), now a leading cause of liver transplantation, highlighting an urgent need for improved public health education and preventative measures.
Despite growing prevalence, awareness of cardiometabolic diseases remains surprisingly low among the French population, according to new research. These conditions, which encompass a range of interconnected health issues, are increasingly recognized as a significant public health challenge, yet understanding of their risks and impact is limited.
A recent survey by the IHU ICAN research center revealed that while 30% of French adults have heard of cardiometabolic diseases, only 6% can accurately define them. This lack of understanding extends to specific conditions within this category, such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its more severe form, MASH (stéatohépatite associée à un dysfonctionnement métabolique).
Only 3% of those who indicated familiarity with cardiometabolic diseases could identify MASLD as one of them. Recognition increased to 34% when MASLD was presented as part of a list of cardiometabolic conditions, but it remains a relatively low concern for individuals, with only 16% citing it as one of the cardiometabolic diseases that worries them the most – significantly lower than cardiovascular disease (71%), hypertension (45%), diabetes (37%), and obesity (19%).
A Leading Cause of Liver Transplants
MASLD, characterized by an excess of fat in the liver (defined as more than 5% fat content in liver cells), affects one in five adults in France. While not always serious, the accumulation of fat can lead to inflammation, resulting in MASH.
If left unchecked, this chronic inflammation can progress to fibrosis, then cirrhosis, and ultimately increase the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a type of liver cancer, in 10 to 20% of cases. Consequently, steatotic liver disease is now among the leading causes of liver transplantation.
A Silent Condition
MASLD is closely linked to diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle, highlighting the complex interplay between organs, particularly the heart and liver, according to IHU ICAN. A study of patients at the MASH clinic (AP-HP / IHU ICAN) found that 30% of those with steatosis but no known cardiovascular disease were at high risk of developing one.
“Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease is a silent but potentially serious condition that remains largely unknown to the public,” says Raluca Pais, a hepatologist and gastroenterologist (AP-HP) and clinician at IHU ICAN. “It is essential to inform the French population about its risk factors and potential complications – chronic liver inflammation, cirrhosis, and even cancer – to encourage early detection and appropriate management before irreversible complications arise.”
Increasing Awareness is Key
Key risk factors for MASLD include being overweight, having cardiometabolic diseases, following an unbalanced diet, and leading a sedentary lifestyle. Genetic factors can also play a role. According to the French National Society of Gastroenterology (SNFGE), the prevalence of steatotic liver disease in France was 18.2% in 2020.
“Approximately 220,000 people are estimated to have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Projections indicate this number will more than double by 2030, and complications from cirrhosis and liver cancer related to non-alcoholic steatotic liver disease will triple within that timeframe. Individuals with diabetes, who are overweight, or who suffer from conditions related to metabolic syndrome are particularly at risk.”
The IFOP / IHU ICAN survey also reveals what the French public wants to see happen to address this silent pandemic: 59% desire increased awareness campaigns focused on lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity, screening), 43% call for enhanced training for healthcare professionals, and 32% advocate for greater support for research.
