MASLD in primary care: From early recognition to lifestyle and long-term management
Melissa AKERIB, Thomas LEROI, Joran HJELMESÆTH, Suhas BHAT, Timothy GARVEY, Kristoffer JENSEN KOLNES, Ildiko LINGVAY, Niklas Kahr RASMUSSEN, Julio ROSENSTOCK, Sean WHARTON and Gilles PandIT
Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now one of the most common chronic liver conditions and is increasingly encountered in primary care. Family physicians play a pivotal role in early recognition, comprehensive metabolic assessment, lifestyle counselling, and follow-up. Because MASLD is deeply linked with obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, and dietary patterns, its management requires a holistic approach that extends beyond liver health. This workshop provides practical, evidence-based tools to support clinicians in diagnosing MASLD, initiating risk stratification, and empowering patients toward sustainable lifestyle changes. This workshop is a collaboration between the Lifestyle Medicine SIG of WONCA Europe and the European Society for Primary Care Gastroenterology (ESPCG)To present the clinical spectrum of MASLD and practical approaches for risk stratification. To provide evidence-based strategies for nutrition, weight reduction, and physical activity in MASLD prevention and treatment. To introduce behavioural tools that support patient motivation and lasting lifestyle change. To review current and emerging pharmacologic and multidisciplinary options. To equip participants with pragmatic strategies that can be implemented immediately in daily practice.Introduction (0–5 min): Why MASLD matters in primary care; epidemiology and metabolic context. Topic 1 (5–15 min): Clinical spectrum, red flags, interpreting liver enzymes, and using FIB-4 as a risk-stratification tool. Topic 2 (15–30 min): Lifestyle modification -nutritional strategies, weight-loss targets, Mediterranean diet principles, and physical activity. Topic 3 (30–40 min): Overview of medications, emerging therapies, and the role of multidisciplinary collaboration. Topic 4 (40–50 min): small-group exercises: brief counselling tools for busy clinics – motivational interviewing, goal setting, and strategies to enhance self-efficacy. Summary + Q&A (50–60 min). Teaching will include short lectures, case-based discussions, small-group exercises, and practical demonstrations of risk-stratification and counselling tools.Participants will be able to identify MASLD in primary care, apply non-invasive risk-stratification methods, deliver focused lifestyle and physical-activity guidance, use behavioural-change techniques, and understand when to escalate care or refer.MASLD management begins in primary care. By integrating early recognition, lifestyle counselling, behavioural strategies, and coordinated care, family physicians can significantly improve long-term outcomes and empower patients toward healthier, sustainable change. Keywords: Fatty Liver, Life Style, Behavior Therapy, Primary Health Care
