NASH is associated with a substantial economic burden in terms of healthcare resource utilisation, medical, non-medical and indirect costs, that increase with disease severity or when complications or comorbidity are present.

Available evidence on indirect costs (e.g. productivity losses, informal care) is scarce, but the limited reports suggest these may outweigh direct costs. Further research is justified to fully appreciate the impact of indirect and societal costs on the economic burden of NASH.

Studies evaluating economic outcomes were heterogeneous in terms of patient populations, comorbidities, follow-up time and outcomes measured, limiting comparability of studies, and varied in the quality of their analyses. More precise national-level prevalence data are needed for accurate forecasts of healthcare resource utilisation and costs in the coming decades.