A study presented at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, showed that the percentage of adults with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease is growing. The study showed that Mexican Americans continually had the most significant portion of MAFLD, particularly in 2018, despite higher cases among Whites.

MAFLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is gradually becoming the most prevalent reason for a liver transplant. It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and a common form of liver cancer. If left untreated, MAFLD can progress to liver cancer and liver failure.

The researchers examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) for 32,726 individuals from 1988 to 2018. Dr. Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., Chair of the Department of Internal Medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science in Los Angeles, Calif, noted that MAFLD and obesity increased with time, with the increase in MAFLD more significant than the increase in obesity.

The study showed that MAFLD prevalence climbed from 16% in 1988 to 37% in 2018 (a 131% increase), whereas obesity prevalence increased from 23% in 1988 to 40% in 2018 (a 74% increase).

The lead author of the study noted that the prevalence of MAFLD grew faster than the incidence of obesity, suggesting that additional risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension may also be contributing to the rise in MAFLD prevalence.

Compared to the general population, the percentage of Mexican Americans with MAFLD was always higher. The percent increase of MAFLD in 2018 relative to 1988 was 133% among Whites, 61% among Mexican Americans, and 56% among Blacks.

(Source:https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/percentage-of-adults-with-metabolic-associated-fatty-liver-disease-is-growing-finds-new-study-101686975944730.html )