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The percentage of adults with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the leading global cause of liver disease, is on the rise, according to a study presented at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago. The study found that Mexican Americans consistently had the highest percentage of MAFLD, especially in 2018, although the increased prevalence was higher among white people.
MAFLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is rapidly becoming the most common indication for liver transplantation. It is a risk factor for heart disease, type 2 diabetes and a common type of liver cancer. If untreated, MAFLD can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.
Researcher Theodore C. Freedman, MD, PhD, chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Charles R., said, “MAFLD affects Hispanics more often than blacks and whites. This racial/ethnic disparity is a public health concern. ” “Overall, the increase in MAFLD is worrisome, as the condition can lead to liver failure and cardiovascular diseases and has a significant health disparity,” said Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles, California.
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Researchers analyzed data from 32,726 participants of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1988 to 2018. “We found that overall, both MAFLD and obesity increased over time, with increases in MAFLD exceeding increases in obesity.” Friedman said.
“The percentage of people with MAFLD increased from 16% in 1988 to 37% in 2018 (a 131% increase), while the percentage of people with obesity increased from 23% in 1988 to 40% in 2018 (a 74% increase),” said . Magda Shahin, first author of the study, Charles R. “The prevalence of MAFLD has increased faster than the prevalence of obesity, which suggests that increases in other risk factors such as diabetes and high blood pressure may also contribute to MAFLD,” said Dr., PhD, MPH, MS, of Drew University’s School of Medicine and Science may contribute to an increase in the prevalence of
Among Mexican Americans, the percentage of MAFLD was higher at all times than in the overall population. The percentage increase in MAFLD in 2018 compared to 1988 was 133% among whites, 61% among Mexican Americans, and 56% among blacks. “In short, MAFLD is increasing over time and more efforts are needed to control this epidemic,” Shaheen said.
