New guidelines highlight GP role in managing liver disease
03 Sep 2025
A new consensus statement highlights that GPs are well placed to apply guidelines for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.
An RACGP expert has welcomed new national guidelines for managing metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), saying they make clear how important GPs are in supporting patients with the condition.
The consensus statement, published this week in the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA), gives advice on how MAFLD should be assessed and treated in primary care.
It recommends doctors consider the disease in adults with type 2 diabetes, obesity, or at least two other metabolic risk factors.
MAFLD is now the most common chronic liver condition in Australia. In 2023, chronic liver disease was ranked the nation’s ninth leading cause of fatal burden, according to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
Until now, there has been little clear guidance on how GPs should detect and manage the condition. The MJA editorial warned that if left unaddressed, MAFLD will become an even bigger public health problem.
‘With their holistic approach to patient care and ability to build long-term relationships, GPs are ideally placed to apply these new guidelines, engage patients, and prevent disease progression,’ the statement said.
Dr Gary Deed, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Diabetes, said the guidance helps fill a long-standing gap.
‘These guidelines give GPs simple but meaningful strategies to support patients at risk,’ he told newsGP.
‘Many of these patients already have other chronic conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or cardiovascular disease. By following the guidelines, GPs can help stop the disease from progressing to more serious problems like cirrhosis.’
The MJA noted the recommendations are designed specifically for primary care teams, with GPs in a unique position to monitor liver and metabolic health over time.
(Source: RACGP)