Alarming Global Rise in Adolescent Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatotic Liver Disease by 2030

Aim This study forecasts the global burden of ultrasound‐diagnosed MASLD in adolescents (15–19 years) from 2020 to 2030, examining socioeconomic influences. Methods Using generalised additive models (GAM) and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), age‐standardised incidence (ASIR), mortality (ASDR) and disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) rates were projected. Regional analyses used the Socio‐Demographic Index (SDI), with regression models quantifying associations. Results Global ASIR is projected to rise significantly (EAPC: +1.46%), outpacing slower increases in DALYs (EAPC: +0.20%) and ASDR (EAPC: +0.18%). High‐income North America faces the steepest ASIR surge (EAPC: +2.52%), while Central/Eastern Europe and Central Asia are stable. By 2030, low‐SDI regions will have the highest median ASIR, with Turkmenistan predicted to have the world's highest (0.77 per 100 000). Striking disparities exist: higher SDI strongly correlates with elevated ASIR in Europe ( R 2 = 0.339), indicating lifestyle risks in affluent settings. Conversely, higher SDI correlates with reduced DALYs/ASDR elsewhere. Despite some declines in low‐SDI areas, high‐income North America and vulnerable low‐SDI regions (e.g., Turkmenistan) face escalating burdens. Conclusions Socioeconomic factors and lifestyle disparities drive divergent global adolescent MASLD trajectories. Without intervention, the burden will surge by 2030—particularly in high‐income North America and low‐SDI hotspots—demanding region‐specific policies to address metabolic health inequities.