Burden of alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol use disorder in Asia

Most previous studies have primarily examined the burden of ALD and AUD in Europe and North America, with limited focus on Asia. As alcohol consumption continues to rise rapidly in Asia, research into its significant consequences, alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is still limited. Rapid socioeconomic development, population growth, and increasing alcohol consumption in Asia may be influencing regional trends in ALD and AUD. A study examined the burden of alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol use disorder in Asia from 2000 to 2021. Researchers analysed data from the global burden of disease (GBD) Study 2021 to assess age-standardised prevalence, incidence, and mortality rates for alcohol-related liver disease and alcohol use disorder in Asia from 2000 to 2021.
In 2021, there were approximately 1.40 million cases of ALD, resulting in 175,370 deaths and 53.18 million cases of AUD, with 57,110 deaths. Asia accounted for 46.35% of the global prevalence of ALD (an increase of 6.87% since 2000) and 47.86% of the global prevalence of AUD (an increase of 0.82% since 2000). A 91.2% increase in crude ALD prevalence, incidence, and mortality from 2000 to 2021 in Asia was observed. South Asia exhibited the highest crude burden of ALD, while Central Asia had the highest age-standardised rate. Notably, ALD prevalence increased in South Asia (Annual Percent Change [APC]: 0.10%, 95% CI: 0.08–0.13) and Central Asia (APC: 0.88%, 95% CI: 0.79–0.97), even as other regions experienced declines.
This study reveals a disproportionately increasing burden of ALD and AUD in Asia compared with global trends, with significant variability across subregions. Central and South Asia are identified as the primary drivers of the burden associated with ALD and AUD in this region. Escalating alcohol consumption and marked regional disparities underscore the urgent need for culturally appropriate, region-specific public health strategies across Asia.
Source: Danpanichkul P, Pang Y, Suparan K, Saokhieo P, Jatupornpakdee P, Polpichai N, Attachaipanich T, et al. 2025. Burden of Alcohol-Related Liver Disease and Alcohol Use Disorder in Asia United European Gastroenterology Journal: 1–13.