US FDA approves a weight loss drug for treating ‘serious’ fatty liver disease; here’s what you need to know

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has officially approved semaglutide, a drug widely known for weight loss and diabetes control, for treating metabolic associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

This approval marks a major advancement in liver disease treatment, as MASH is a progressive condition caused by fat buildup and inflammation in the liver. Often symptomless in its early stages, the disease can silently progress to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer if untreated. By targeting both weight reduction and liver health, semaglutide offers a dual benefit for patients at high risk. Experts see this as a breakthrough, providing the first effective pharmacological option for millions affected by fatty liver disease, which is rapidly emerging as a global health concern.These results suggest semaglutide is not just managing risk factors like weight and blood sugar but is directly improving liver health, offering new hope for patients who previously had no effective drug treatment options.

What is MASH? Understanding the fatty liver disease

MASH (previously called non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH) is a severe form of fatty liver disease. It usually begins as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), where fat gradually builds up in the liver due to poor metabolism.

Why early detection is difficult

Most patients remain unaware of MASH because symptoms develop only in later stages. When present, they may include:

This makes screening and preventive treatment crucial, especially for people who are overweight, diabetic, or have high cholesterol.

MASH and obesity: How Semaglutide is changing liver disease treatment

MASH is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. With the rise of these conditions globally, MASH has become one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease.Until recently, doctors only recommended lifestyle interventions such as diet control, weight loss, and regular exercise. In 2023, the FDA approved Resmetirom, the first medicine for MASH. Now, semaglutide’s approval adds another option — but with a different working mechanism. Semaglutide belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists. It was first approved in 2017 for type 2 diabetes and later for obesity management and heart disease prevention.In MASH patients, semaglutide helps by:

This makes semaglutide particularly useful in patients who have both obesity and fatty liver disease.

FDA approves semaglutide medication for MASH after strong clinical trial results

The FDA based its approval on results from a large phase III clinical trial involving 800 participants across multiple centers.

When looking at liver fibrosis (scarring):

MASH in India: A growing health challenge

India is witnessing a rapid increase in metabolic liver diseases, driven by rising obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and high rates of diabetes.As reported, studies estimate that 9% to 32% of Indians may be living with MAFLD, the starting point of MASH.A 2025 study of IT employees in Hyderabad revealed alarming trends:

These numbers reflect the strong connection between urban lifestyles, poor diet, and fatty liver disease in India’s working population.Also Read |