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Topics/Fatty Liver Disease/Do Patients Want MASLD Screening? Hepatology | February 2026

Do Patients Want MASLD Screening? Hepatology | February 2026

Clinical knowledge base curated and reviewed by GastroAGI TeamLast updated February 1, 2026

Quick Answer

Screening for metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly discussed, but concerns about anxiety, stigma, and overdiagnosis persist. This population-based study from Olmsted County evaluated how individuals perceive the benefits and harms of proactive MASLD screening.


Screening for metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is increasingly discussed, but concerns about anxiety, stigma, and overdiagnosis persist. This population-based study from Olmsted County evaluated how individuals perceive the benefits and harms of proactive MASLD screening.

Among 461 screened participants (74% survey response rate), psychological impact was modest. Only 14% reported screening-related anxiety, and 14% were concerned about disclosing a potential diagnosis. Reassurance was substantial: 99% of participants without MASLD felt reassured about their liver health, 48% reported improved quality of life, and 25% adopted healthier lifestyle behaviours.

Among 77 individuals diagnosed with MASLD, 52% experienced some anxiety; however, 95% believed early diagnosis was important to prevent cirrhosis, and 97% valued cardiovascular risk mitigation. Importantly, 79% reported the diagnosis motivated healthier habits, and 30% achieved >10% weight loss following screening.

Overall, perceived benefits—including awareness, lifestyle change, and early prevention—outweighed psychological harms.

Conclusion: Patient-centred MASLD screening appears acceptable and potentially empowering, supporting early detection strategies integrated with structured lifestyle interventions.

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