Prospective evaluation of a structured group education programme for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)

Objective Clinical guidelines recommend structured education programmes for patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD); however, these are uncommon in practice. We developed and implemented a structured group education programme and aimed to assess patient engagement, experiences of attending the groups and evaluate whether attendance led to weight loss. Methods Patients with MASLD attending a tertiary liver unit were offered three 1-hour sessions, either face-to-face (F2F) or online. Content included: what MASLD is; how lifestyle change can improve outcomes; and signposting to appropriate resources. Patient-related experiences and weight data were collected prospectively. Results 204 patients were invited to attend the groups between October 2023 and March 2025. 84% booked to attend and 54% attended (median age 62 years; 54% male; body mass index 38 kg/m 2 ): 69% F2F; 31% online. Mean weight change at follow-up was −3.4 kg (−3.2%; p<0.001); 46% achieved ≥3% weight loss, 29%≥5% and 11%≥10%. There was no statistically significant difference in mean weight loss achieved between patients attending F2F versus online (−2.8 kg (−2.7%); vs −4.9 kg (−4.4%); p=0.154). Weight losses observed in those attending the groups were greater than those receiving standard care in our unit (p=0.005). Patients reported overall satisfaction with the programme (mean score: 9.4/10) and were likely to recommend the course to others (mean score: 9.8/10). Conclusions The MASLD group education programme was feasible to deliver, well received by patients and achieved greater weight loss than standard care. Structured group education is a viable option to support patients with MASLD to make lifestyle changes and may help to expand clinical capacity.