The percentage of adults with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), the leading global cause of liver disease, is increasing, according to a study presented Friday 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, despite the fact that the incidence of the increase was higher among whites.
MAFLD, formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is rapidly becoming the most common reason for liver transplantation. It increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and prevalent forms of liver cancer. MAFLD, if left untreated, can lead to liver cancer and liver failure.
“MAFLD affects Hispanics at a higher prevalence compared to blacks and whites. This racial/ethnic disparity is a public health concern,” said researcher Theodore C. Friedman, M.D., Ph.D., chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science in Los Angeles, California. Taken together, the increase in MAFLD is concerning because the condition can lead to liver failure and cardiovascular disease and has a significant health disparity.”
Researchers analyzed data for 32,726 participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1988 to 2018. “We found that overall, both MAFLD and obesity increased over time, with the increase in MAFLD greater than the increase 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 obese people increased from 23% in 1988 to 40% in 2018 (a 74% increase). study first author Magda Shaheen, M.D., Ph.D., M.P.H., M.S., Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science. “The prevalence of MAFLD increased faster than the prevalence of obesity, suggesting that increases in other risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension may also contribute to the increase in MAFLD prevalence.”
Among Mexican Americans, the percentage of MAFLD has always been higher compared to the general population. The percentage increase in MAFLD in 2018 compared to 1988 was 133% among whites, 61% among Mexican Americans, and 56% among blacks. “In summary, MAFLD is increasing over time and more efforts are needed to control this epidemic,” Shaheen said.
Read Now :Net direct tax boost by 11% to Rs 3.80 lakh crore this fiscal, reflecting rising economic activity
