- Researchers are reporting that the prevalence of metabolic associated fatty liver disease is increasing dramatically in the United States.
- Experts say genetics and obesity are key factors in developing the disease, but there are other causes.
- They say a healthy diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of developing the disease.
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is the leading global cause of liver disease and is increasing significantly in the United States.
That’s according to a study presented today at ENDO 2023, the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting.
In their findings, which haven’t been published yet in a peer-reviewed journal, researchers analyzed data for 32,726
They collected the health information from 1988 to 2018.
The scientists compared increases in MAFLD to increases in obesity. They reported that:
- MAFLD increased from 16% of participants in 1988 to 37% in 2018, which is a 131% increase
- The rate of obesity rose from 23% in 1988 to 40% in 2018, which is a 74% increase
Previously, medical professionals thought obesity was the most significant risk factor for MAFLD.
The researchers noted that because MAFLD increased more rapidly than obesity, there must be additional risk factors, such as diabetes and hypertension.
During the study period, the incidence rate for the three population groups observed increased significantly:
- 133% for whites
- 61% for Mexican Americans
- 56% for Blacks
Compared to the overall population, Mexican Americans had the higher prevalence of MAFLD at all times during the study.
“For years, it has been noted that Hispanics/Latinos have a higher prevalence of MAFLD,” said Dr. Aymin Delgado-Borrego, a hepatologist with KIDZ Medical who was not involved in the study.
“This is not generalizable to all Hispanics, as Mexicans and Central Americans have a higher prevalence than Latinos from other countries,”…
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