Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease is increasing amongst U.S. adults

The percent of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the leading global explanation for liver disease, is increasing in U.S. adults, based on a study presented Friday at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting in Chicago, Sick.

Mexican Americans consistently had the best percentage of MAFLD, especially in 2018, although the prevalence of increase was higher amongst Whites, the study found.

MAFLD, previously generally known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is fast becoming probably the most common indication for liver transplantation. It’s a risk factor for heart problems, type 2 diabetes and a standard sort of liver cancer. If untreated, MAFLD can result in liver cancer and liver failure.

“MAFLD affects Hispanics at the next prevalence relative to Blacks and Whites. This racial/ethnic disparity is a public health concern,” said researcher 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. “Overall, the rise in MAFLD is concerning, as this condition can result in liver failure and cardiovascular diseases and has a vital health disparity.”

The researchers analyzed data for 32,726 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1988 to 2018. “We found that overall, each MAFLD and obesity increased with time, with the rise in MAFLD greater than the rise in obesity,” Friedman said.

The percent of individuals with MAFLD increased from 16% in 1988 to 37% in 2018 (a 131% increase) while the percent of obesity rose from 23% in 1988 to 40% in 2018 (a 74% increase). The prevalence of MAFLD increased faster than the prevalence of obesity, suggesting that the rise in the opposite risk aspects comparable to diabetes and hypertension might also contribute to the rise within the prevalence of MAFLD.”

Magda Shaheen, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., study’s first writer, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science

Amongst Mexican Americans, the percent of MAFLD was higher in any respect times in comparison with the general population. The percent increase of MAFLD in 2018 relative to 1988 was 133% amongst Whites, 61% amongst Mexican Americans and 56% amongst Blacks.

“In summary, MAFLD is increasing with time and more efforts are needed to regulate this epidemic,” Shaheen said.