The disease is becoming common.
Recent research has revealed a significant increase in fatty liver disease among American adults, largely due to factors like obesity, alcohol use, and metabolic conditions. Federal data from 2018 showed that 42% of adults had some form of fatty liver disease, a rate higher than previous estimates. The study, led by Dr. Juan Pablo Arab at Virginia Commonwealth University’s Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, found that Hispanic adults are particularly at risk, with nearly half (47%) affected by the disease.
The study, published in Nature Communications Medicine, highlights three primary types of fatty liver disease: metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), and a combination of both conditions, called MetALD. MASLD, which is linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic issues, was found to be the most common form, affecting 42% of adults. In comparison, ALD and MetALD affected much smaller percentages of the population, with 1.7% and 0.6% affected, respectively.
The research showed that men are more likely to develop fatty liver disease, and the condition becomes more common with age. The particularly high rate of MASLD in Hispanic adults was unexpected, given a previous study in 2014 that reported much lower rates in this group. The researchers speculate that factors such as genetics, obesity, and high rates of diabetes among Hispanics might explain their increased vulnerability to MASLD. Interestingly, Black adults had the lowest rate of fatty liver disease, although the reasons for this are unclear.
Obesity and type 2 diabetes are identified as major contributors to the surge in MASLD. Around 65% of overweight adults and 90% of those who are morbidly obese suffer from MASLD. Additionally, up to 70% of individuals with type 2 diabetes also have fatty liver disease. Dr. Arab emphasized the significance of these findings and the need for targeted health interventions to address the rising rates of liver disease, especially in high-risk communities.
The study underscores the importance of understanding the factors driving the growth of fatty liver disease, and the researchers hope their findings will help shape more effective strategies for prevention and treatment. With a large portion of the U.S. population affected, the study highlights a growing health concern that requires attention, particularly for those in communities with higher rates of obesity and diabetes.
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