On the occasion of the upcoming World Obesity Day on 4 March 2026, the German Liver Foundation is drawing attention to the close link between obesity and fatty liver disease. Under the campaign motto “8 Billion Reasons to Act on Obesity”, it is emphasised that obesity is a task for society as a whole, as it affects more than one billion people worldwide.

In Germany, about two-thirds of men (67 percent) and half of women (53 percent) are overweight, and around a quarter of adults are obese (23 percent of men, 24 percent of women). The prevalence increases with age. According to the KiGGS study by the Robert Koch Institute, about 15 percent of children and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17 are overweight, 6 percent of whom are obese. Globally, overweight and obesity cause 1.7 million premature deaths annually from non-communicable diseases, including steatoic liver disease (SLD).

The foundation highlights that fatty liver disease – especially metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) – is one of the most common consequences of obesity and is often part of metabolic syndrome. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver. In the case of inflammation, this develops into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma, sometimes without preceding cirrhosis. The disease is usually asymptomatic and goes unnoticed for a long time, but offers a window of opportunity for early intervention.

Progress is emerging in therapy: GLP-1 receptor agonists, originally developed for weight loss and diabetes, reduce inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver and are specifically studied for fatty liver diseases. New active ingredients such as resmetirom, which act directly on the liver, show promising results. Nevertheless, lifestyle measures – a balanced diet, exercise and weight control – remain central to prevention and regression, often independent of medication.

The foundation criticizes the high sugar consumption in Germany: According to an analysis by Foodwatch, people here consume almost 26 grams of sugar a day through drinks alone – more than twice as much as in Italy. For liver health, she recommends low-carbohydrate, wholesome meals with lots of fresh vegetables, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats such as omega-3 and avoiding convenience foods, fatty meat, alcohol, and high-sugar drinks and smoothies.

In keeping with the day of action, the revised new edition of “The Great Cookbook for the Liver” has been published. The book contains scientifically sound dietary recommendations and recipes suitable for everyday use for those affected by fatty liver, cirrhosis or other liver diseases. It was developed by nutritionists, dieticians and doctors and emphasizes unprocessed foods as well as a nutrient-balanced, liver-relieving diet.

The German Liver Foundation also offers brochures on topics such as “Liver and Fat”, “Liver and Alcohol” and “Liver and Liver Values”.

Book recommendations:

“The Liver Book” provides comprehensive information about the liver, liver diseases, diagnoses and therapies in a generally understandable and comprehensive way – in the fifth, expanded and updated edition, 2025. The Leber book is available in bookstores: ISBN 978-3-8426-3043-7, € 22.00 [D].

“The Great Cookbook for the Liver” – 122 recipes with all the important nutritional information; Kitchen tips and rules for a liver-healthy diet – in the second, updated edition, 2026. The cookbook is available in bookstores: ISBN 978-3-8426-3100-7, € 28.00 [D].

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

Gender Notice. The personal designations used in this text always refer equally to female, male and diverse persons. Double/triple naming and gendered designations are used for better readability. ected.