Listen: millions in the dark about who can be affected by liver disease

New research has revealed widespread misunderstanding about liver disease. One in three people in the UK (33%) believe harmful alcohol consumption is the only cause of liver disease, despite the condition also being linked to obesity, viral hepatitis, type 2 diabetes, genetic conditions and autoimmune diseases.  

The findings released today by Liver UK reveal many adults are unaware of the risk factors that can increase their chances of developing liver disease, despite it being one of the leading causes of premature death in the UK.  

Fewer than half of respondents recognised type 2 diabetes as increasing the risk of liver disease, while only around a third identified obesity as a risk factor. Almost one in six (16%) said “nothing in particular” causes liver disease.

Aston spoke to Pamela Healy from Liver UK.