Shift work is associated with fatty liver disease, with causation unresolved
A review of observational research found a recurring association across occupations, especially with longer or more frequent exposure to shift schedules.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
Most studies in this review linked shift work with a greater likelihood of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD. Associations tended to be stronger with longer or more frequent exposure to shift schedules. Because the evidence was observational and measurements had limitations, the review cannot establish that shift work itself causes the disease.
The review identified imprecise measurements of shift work and liver outcomes, plus limited analysis of changes over time. These issues weaken causal interpretation; the abstract also supplies no pooled estimate of the association.
Who might differ
Some analyses suggested that age, gender, lifestyle, work circumstances and a person's daily timing preference could influence the association. These possibilities were not presented as settled explanations or reliable predictions for individual workers.
A possible intermediate link
Body mass index was identified as a possible intermediate link between shift schedules and liver disease. The abstract does not show that changing body weight, work schedules or sleep would change liver outcomes.
The original publication
Shift work and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a systematic review of observational studies.
Ma B, Fan Y, Fan W
Int Arch Occup Environ Health · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40960631
- Record checked
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