Prevalence and Risk Factors of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease in China: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract BackgroundMetabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new definition for liver disease associated with known metabolic dysfunction. Based on new diagnostic criteria, we aim to investigate its prevalence and risk factors in Chinese.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was implemented on 139170 subjects who participated in health examination.Results Among 139170 subjects, prevalence of MAFLD was 26.1% (males: 35.4%; females: 14.1%), and it was significantly higher before 65-year-old in males than that in females (36.2% vs. 12.2%, P<0.001), however significantly lower after 65 (28.2% vs. 33.0%, P<0.001). The prevalence in different female menopausal status (premenopause, perimenopause, postmenopause) was 6.1%,16.8%, and 30.2%, in BMI groups (underweight, normal, overweight and obese), it was 0.1%, 4.0%, 27.4% and 59.8%. Proportions of abnormal metabolic features in MAFLD group were significantly higher than those in non-MAFLD group, so as the proportion of elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (42.5% vs. 11%, P<0.001). Prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS), dyslipidemia, and hyperuricemia in MAFLD group (53.2%, 80.0%, and 45.0%) was significantly higher than that in non-MAFLD group (10.1%, 41.7%, and 16.8%). Logistic regression revealed that age, BMI, waist circumference, ALT, triglyceride, fasting glucose, uric acid and platelet count were associated with MAFLD.ConclusionsMAFLD is prevalent in China, its prevalence varies among different groups of age, gender, BMI, and female menopausal status. MAFLD was related to metabolic disorders especially obesity. People with MAFLD suffer high prevalence of MS, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia, and elevated liver enzymes. Metabolic disorders should be paid attention to improve management of MAFLD.