Living with a fatty liver can do more than just affect your liver. New research shows that people with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are at a much higher risk for serious kidney problems. The study found that those with this condition had a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease compared to people without it.
The data suggests that the severity of liver damage plays a major role in how your kidneys are affected. Specifically, liver fibrosis—which is the scarring of liver tissue—was linked to a faster progression of kidney impairment. This means that as the liver becomes more scarred, the risk of kidney issues increases significantly.
While these findings highlight a clear link between the two conditions, it is important to note that the study shows an association rather than a direct cause. Because the data came from many different types of studies with varying methods, some results should be viewed with caution. However, the findings suggest that doctors should look for early signs of kidney damage in patients with liver issues.
