About

Gyorgy Baffy is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and serves as the Chief of Gastroenterology at the VA Boston Healthcare System. His academic background includes earning a PhD from studies on growth factor-mediated calcium signaling in hepatocytes conducted as an NIH Fogarty Fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed his gastroenterology training at the University of Michigan and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. His primary research interests focus on fatty liver disease, particularly in areas related to risk stratification, biomarkers, cancer bioenergetics, and the development of portal hypertension and liver cancer. Dr. Baffy has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and book chapters. In 2014, he was a Fulbright US Scholar, during which he lectured on obesity and related disorders at the University of Debrecen in Hungary. He is a Fellow of several professional organizations, including the American College of Physicians, American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. His contributions to the field have been recognized with awards such as the Madaus Prize from the Madaus Liver Foundation and the Hetényi Medal and Pro Optimo Merito in Gastroenterologia Award from the Hungarian Gastroenterological Association.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Computer Science
• Internal medicine
• Artificial Intelligence
• Pathology
• Political Science
• Environmental health
• Demography
• Family medicine
• Psychology
• Radiology
• Public relations
• Surgery

Selected publications

• Palliative Care Intervention for Patients With End-Stage Liver Disease

  JAMA Internal Medicine · 2026-04-13

  articleOpen access

  Importance: Palliative care improves quality of life (QoL) in advanced illnesses, but data in end-stage liver disease (ESLD) are limited. It is unknown whether palliative care delivered by hepatologists is effective when compared with palliative care specialists. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of palliative care delivered by trained hepatologists with the care delivered by conventional palliative care specialists in improving QoL at 3 months. Design, Setting, and Participants: This comparative effectiveness cluster randomized trial for US patients treated for ESLD in 19 US medical centers compared a palliative care intervention delivered by palliative care-trained hepatologists (hepatologist group; 11 centers) with palliative care specialists (consultative group; 8 centers). Eligible patients were US adults with either decompensated cirrhosis or hepatocellular cancer who had a life expectancy of at least 6 months, had not received or scheduled liver transplantation, or had not received palliative care in the prior 3 months. Hepatologists in hepatologist group alone received primary palliative care training. Data collection occurred from January 2019 through June 2025; analysis was conducted from July to September 2025. Intervention: Participants received 4 palliative care visits over 3 months delivered by either palliative care-trained hepatologists or palliative care specialists, using a structured palliative care checklist. Main Outcomes and Measures: Superiority or a priori noninferiority of the effect of palliative care delivered by hepatologists vs palliative care specialists on change in QoL at 3 months, measured by the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Hepatobiliary (FACT-Hep) total score (higher scores indicating better QoL). Secondary outcomes included change in symptom burden, distress, depression, satisfaction from baseline to 3 months, and mortality. Results: A total of 935 patients were enrolled (mean [SD] age, 63.0 [10.3] years; 275 female [29%]; 130 Hispanic ethnicity [14%]; 144 Black [15%], 736 White [79%]). From baseline to 3 months, QoL improved in both groups (adjusted mean: hepatologist, 8.01 [95% CI, 5.38 to 10.65]; consultative, 7.02 [95% CI, 4.34 to 9.71]; both P < .001). Although superiority was not found in change in QoL, prespecified noninferiority analysis showed that the improvement in the hepatologist group was noninferior to the consultative group (adjusted mean difference, 0.98 [95% CI, -2.86 to 4.83]; P = .01). Symptom burden (adjusted mean difference, -7.52 [95% CI, -9.89 to -5.15] vs -5.31 [95% CI, -7.60 to -3.03]) and depression (adjusted mean difference, -1.18 [95% CI, -1.78 to -0.57] vs -0.90 [95% CI, -1.49 to -0.31]) improved in both groups, without significant between-group differences. Patient satisfaction improved more in the hepatologist group compared with the palliative care group (adjusted mean difference, 3.37 [95% CI, 2.24 to 4.49] vs 0.91 [95% CI, -0.15 to 1.96]; P = .002). Mortality at 3 months was similar in both groups. Conclusions and Relevance: This cluster trial found that palliative care delivered by trained hepatologists was comparable with palliative care delivered by palliative care specialists in improving QoL in patients with ESLD and was associated with greater improvement in patient satisfaction, demonstrating the effectiveness among enrolled patients. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.Gov Identifier: NCT03540771.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Prediction of trajectories and outcomes in early-stage metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a narrative review

  EClinicalMedicine · 2026-04-24

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder, with manifestations ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. At all stages, MASLD is also associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and extrahepatic malignancies. Timely and accurate prediction of disease onset, progression, and complications remains an unmet need. Although hepatic fibrosis is a strong predictor of liver-related and all-cause mortality, it reflects relatively advanced disease. Growing evidence suggests that steatosis may mark early divergence of disease trajectories. Effective MASLD forecasting therefore requires early risk assessment and longitudinal evaluation. Emerging approaches combine genetic risk with routine clinical, behavioural, and social data, allowing machine learning methods to better identify MASLD subtypes and predict individual disease courses. However, cost and logistical barriers limit widespread adoption, and further research is needed to determine whether early forecasting can improve long-term outcomes and healthcare value.

  PublisherDOI

• Risk Assessment and Prediction of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Noncirrhotic Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

  International Journal of Molecular Sciences · 2026-04-02

  articleOpen accessSenior authorCorresponding

  Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has emerged as a leading driver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. A substantial proportion of MASLD-related HCC arises in the noncirrhotic liver, highlighting critical gaps in current surveillance strategies that rely primarily on fibrosis stage to define risk. Although the annual incidence of HCC in noncirrhotic MASLD is low and does not justify universal surveillance, the extraordinary global prevalence of MASLD translates into a considerable absolute burden of cancer. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that HCC risk in MASLD is modulated not only by histologic severity but also by metabolic comorbidities, particularly type 2 diabetes mellitus, which can significantly amplify cancer risk even in pre-cirrhotic stages. From both clinical and health economic perspectives, these observations underscore the need for more complex and targeted surveillance approaches. This review synthesizes current epidemiologic data, metabolic and histologic modifiers of HCC risk, emerging biomarkers, and predictive models in MASLD, with a focus on noncirrhotic disease. We discuss how integrated, precision-based risk assessment may identify high-risk MASLD subgroups and enable targeted, cost-effective surveillance strategies to mitigate the growing burden of MASLD-associated HCC.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Bridging the gap in obesity research: A consensus statement from the European Society for Clinical Investigation

  European Journal of Clinical Investigation · 2025-05-15 · 32 citations

  reviewOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Most forms of obesity are associated with chronic diseases that remain a global public health challenge. AIMS: Despite significant advancements in understanding its pathophysiology, effective management of obesity is hindered by the persistence of knowledge gaps in epidemiology, phenotypic heterogeneity and policy implementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This consensus statement by the European Society for Clinical Investigation identifies eight critical areas requiring urgent attention. Key gaps include insufficient long-term data on obesity trends, the inadequacy of body mass index (BMI) as a sole diagnostic measure, and insufficient recognition of phenotypic diversity in obesity-related cardiometabolic risks. Moreover, the socio-economic drivers of obesity and its transition across phenotypes remain poorly understood. RESULTS: The syndemic nature of obesity, exacerbated by globalization and environmental changes, necessitates a holistic approach integrating global frameworks and community-level interventions. This statement advocates for leveraging emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to refine predictive models and address phenotypic variability. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to create tailored interventions and enduring policies. DISCUSSION: The consensus highlights the need for harmonizing anthropometric and biochemical markers, fostering inclusive public health narratives and combating stigma associated with obesity. By addressing these gaps, this initiative aims to advance research, improve prevention strategies and optimize care delivery for people living with obesity. CONCLUSION: This collaborative effort marks a decisive step towards mitigating the obesity epidemic and its profound impact on global health systems. Ultimately, obesity should be considered as being largely the consequence of a socio-economic model not compatible with optimal human health.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Unlocking Polyphenol Efficacy: The Role of Gut Microbiota in Modulating Bioavailability and Health Effects

  Nutrients · 2025-08-28 · 37 citations

  reviewOpen access

  In humans, the bioactivity of polyphenols is highly dependent on dose intake and their interactions with the gastrointestinal tract and gut microbiota, which metabolize polyphenols into bioactive or inactive derivatives. Polyphenols are only partially absorbed in the small intestine, where enzymatic hydrolysis releases aglycone forms that may cross the gut barrier. A significant proportion of polyphenols escapes absorption and reaches the colon, where resident microbes convert them into simpler phenolic metabolites. Such molecules are often more bioavailable than the parent compounds and can enter systemic circulation, leading to distant effects. Although higher polyphenol consumption has been associated with preventive and therapeutic outcomes, even low intake or poor intestinal absorption may still confer benefits, as polyphenols in the colon can positively modulate gut microbiota composition and function, contributing to favorable shifts in the microbial metabolome. These interactions can influence host metabolic, immune, and neurological pathways, particularly through the gut-liver-brain axis. To provide a comprehensive understanding of these relationships, this review examines the dose-related activity of polyphenols, their microbiota-mediated biotransformation, their bioavailability, and the health effects of their metabolites, while also presenting a comparative overview of key studies in the field. We underscore the importance of integrating microbiome and polyphenol research to recapitulate and contextualize the health benefits of dietary polyphenols.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Identifying and Treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Among At-Risk Veterans

  The American Journal of Gastroenterology · 2025-01-07 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access

  INTRODUCTION: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), an increasing public health concern, remains challenging to diagnose and risk-stratify. We assessed the (i) prevalence of MASLD risk factors among veterans in Veterans Health Administration (VA) care, (ii) factors associated with MASLD diagnosis, and (iii) associations between MASLD diagnosis and receipt of care. METHODS: Veterans with MASLD risk factors, including obesity, prediabetes, diabetes, or dyslipidemia, were identified using International Classification of Diseases-10 codes and followed in 2019-2022. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score-adjusted models identified demographic and clinical characteristics associated with a diagnosis of MASLD or cirrhosis and receipt of elastography, specialty care for liver disease, VA weight management (MOVE!) participation, and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analog prescriptions. RESULTS: Among approximately 9 million veterans, 4,159,699 (45%) had risk factors for MASLD and were included in further analysis. MASLD or cirrhosis was diagnosed in 6% of the at-risk cohort. At-risk Veterans diagnosed with MASLD were younger with more metabolic risk factors, increased rates of alcohol use disorder, and higher FIB-4 scores and alanine transaminase values. Over 1-year follow-up, 6% engaged in MOVE!, 9% had specialty care for liver disease, 3% were prescribed GLP-1 analogs, and 2% underwent staging elastography. MASLD diagnosis was significantly associated with receipt of MOVE!, specialty care consultation, and GLP-1 analog prescription. DISCUSSION: Few at-risk Veterans carried an MASLD diagnosis or had undergone staging elastography. Because MASLD diagnosis was associated with linkage to hepatology care and weight loss therapy services, implementation of population screening and management services for MASLD is critically needed.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Is MetALD an all-inclusive term for liver disease caused by alcohol and metabolic dysfunction?

  Journal of Hepatology · 2025-05-23 · 4 citations

  letter1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherDOI

• Bridging the gap in obesity research: A consensus statement from the European Society for Clinical Investigation

  Universität Zürich, ZORA · 2025-08-01

  articleOpen access

  Background: Most forms of obesity are associated with chronic diseases that remain a global public health challenge. Aims: Despite significant advancements in understanding its pathophysiology, effective management of obesity is hindered by the persistence of knowledge gaps in epidemiology, phenotypic heterogeneity and policy implementation. Materials and methods: This consensus statement by the European Society for Clinical Investigation identifies eight critical areas requiring urgent attention. Key gaps include insufficient long-term data on obesity trends, the inadequacy of body mass index (BMI) as a sole diagnostic measure, and insufficient recognition of phenotypic diversity in obesity-related cardiometabolic risks. Moreover, the socio-economic drivers of obesity and its transition across phenotypes remain poorly understood. Results: The syndemic nature of obesity, exacerbated by globalization and environmental changes, necessitates a holistic approach integrating global frameworks and community-level interventions. This statement advocates for leveraging emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, to refine predictive models and address phenotypic variability. It underscores the importance of collaborative efforts among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to create tailored interventions and enduring policies. Discussion: The consensus highlights the need for harmonizing anthropometric and biochemical markers, fostering inclusive public health narratives and combating stigma associated with obesity. By addressing these gaps, this initiative aims to advance research, improve prevention strategies and optimize care delivery for people living with obesity. Conclusion: This collaborative effort marks a decisive step towards mitigating the obesity epidemic and its profound impact on global health systems. Ultimately, obesity should be considered as being largely the consequence of a socio-economic model not compatible with optimal human health.

  PublisherDOI

• Why VA GI?

  Digestive Diseases and Sciences · 2025-04-28

  article
  PublisherDOI

• Opioid-induced constipation in internal medicine: recognition and management pathways

  Internal and Emergency Medicine · 2025-08-28 · 1 citations

  reviewOpen access

  Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) remains one of the most frequent and distressing gastrointestinal side effects encountered by patients on chronic opioid therapy. Despite the high prevalence, OIC is frequently underdiagnosed and inadequately managed, with critical effects on the quality of life of patients. Aim of this review is to promote the awareness about OIC in the context of internal medicine. We examined the statement EnhanCing Healthcare Outcomes in Opioid-Induced Constipation (ECHO OIC) by European experts to streamline the diagnosis and management of OIC in clinical practice. Such guidelines have been further discussed by an Italian expert consensus to provide national customization and a multidisciplinary approach. The key finding is the implementation of a multi-step clinical pathway for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management of OIC, taking into account the improvement of quality of life of patients. In conclusion, we urge to expand awareness about OIC. The seven-step diagnostic-therapeutic pathway approach formulated by ECHO OIC is a pragmatic and scalable model to improve OIC management with emphasis on education, early intervention, monitoring, tailored pharmacologic strategies, and coordinated referral when necessary.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant P20RR017695

  NIH · $12.8M · 2014

• NIH Grant K08DK061890

  NIH · $590k · 2006

• NIH Grant F05TW004545

  NIH · $64k

Frequent coauthors

• Satish K. Singh

  GlobalFoundries (United States)

  44 shared

• Thomas F. Imperiale

  Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center

  31 shared

• Wai‐Kit Lo

  Brigham and Women's Hospital

  27 shared

• Fadi Antaki

  25 shared

• Eladio Rodriguez‐Diaz

  24 shared

• Zoltán Derdák

  Takeda (Japan)

  24 shared

• Charles J. Kahi

  23 shared

• Andrea Molnár

  Semmelweis University

  22 shared

Education

• M.D.

  Harvard Medical School

• B.S.

  University of California, San Francisco

Awards & honors

• Fulbright US Scholar (2014)
• Madaus Prize from the Madaus Liver Foundation
• Hetényi Medal and Pro Optimo Merito in Gastroenterologia Awa…