Deposition of fat within pancreatic tissue has received increasing attention over the past decade due to its clinical implications, particularly in relation to type 2 diabetes, pancreatitis, and pancreatic cancer. Despite this growing body of research, terminology has been used inconsistently, leading to confusion in both clinical and research contexts. Likewise, diverse diagnostic criteria have been employed, including absolute cutoffs (e.g., 10% fat content) and distribution-based cutoffs, such as quantile-defined thresholds.
To define this condition more meaningfully and consistently, there is an urgent need for standardized approaches. The Global Alliance for Research on Intra-pancreatic Fat (GARIF) has been working toward a global consensus of experts on fat in the pancreas, which includes not only terminology and diagnostic standards but also broader aspects of clinical and research relevance. This expert consensus aims to provide comprehensive guidance for clinicians and researchers, fostering consistency in terminology, diagnostic practices, and the overall understanding of fat in the pancreas.