Essentiale, Opella’s top liver care brand, highlights the growing health crisis of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in the Philippines. Despite being misunderstood as alcohol-related, MAFLD is caused by poor diets, lack of exercise, chronic stress, and underlying conditions like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. Nearly 20 million Filipinos are at risk of this condition, with 9 out of 10 obese individuals and 7 out of 10 diabetics vulnerable to liver deterioration. The average age of fatty liver sufferers has dropped to 38 years old.
Globally, fatty liver disease has reached epidemic proportions. As of 2023, it impacts 30% of adults worldwide, which is expected to rise above 50% by 2040. Despite this staggering scale, treatment remains significantly underutilized. In the Philippines, these global trends are mirrored by local health burdens, where lack of awareness and late diagnosis amplify the risks. Yet, the silver lining remains: 8 out of 10 cases are reversible when caught in time, according to one study.
“The liver performs over 500 essential functions, yet it’s one of the most overlooked organs, often dismissed as only a concern for heavy drinkers. MAFL is one of the fastest-growing threats to public health in the Philippines. What makes it more dangerous is how silent it is. We are now seeing an alarming number of Filipinos in their 30s with early signs of liver damage, often without realizing it. By the time symptoms show, the liver may already be damaged. But here is hope. 8 out of 10 liver issues can be reversed if caught early. It’s time we start paying attention. Prioritizing liver health through early detection and lifestyle changes can make all the difference,” warned Dr. Jose D. Sollano, JR.MD, FPCP, FPSG, FSDE, and professor in the faculty of medicine and surgery, specializing in gastroenterology, University of Santo Tomas.
Essentiale is leading a national awareness campaign to confront this crisis and educate Filipinos on managing their liver health. Through partnerships with pharmacists, healthcare professionals, and local communities, the brand is rolling out interactive education materials and an online self-assessment tool in English and Tagalog that helps users identify early liver health risks and guides them to seek timely medical advice.
“We need to shift the perception that fatty liver disease only affects heavy drinkers, because it doesn’t. In the Philippines, the way many of us live today, eating on the go, sitting for long hours at work, coping with stress, and often putting health last, makes us more vulnerable to liver problems and other lifestyle diseases. But we’re not powerless. Fatty liver disease is preventable and even reversible. With simple changes to our lifestyle habits and preventive health measures, we can take back control. Don’t wait for symptoms to show; take the self-test today and determine if you’re at risk. Now is the time to prioritize liver health for all Filipinos and our families,” added J Ann Mirasol, Global Brand Lead, Opella.
This Global Fatty Liver Day, Essentiale challenges every Filipino to stop ignoring their liver. Take the test. Talk to a pharmacist. Act for it’s too late. Please visit https://www.essentiale.com/en-ph/check-your-liver to start your self-test today.
