A recent study led by Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) reveals that over 40% of U.S. adults suffer from fatty liver disease, with Hispanic populations experiencing a significantly higher risk. The research, published in Nature Communications Medicine, underscores the urgent need for early screening and targeted health interventions, particularly for high-risk groups.
Dr. Juan Pablo Arab, the study’s corresponding author and a hepatologist at VCU’s Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health, emphasized the widespread impact of liver disease. “This study highlights a significant health issue that affects a large portion of the U.S. population, and it shows that certain groups are at a higher risk,” Arab stated. The study aims to guide more targeted health interventions to alleviate the burden of liver disease, especially in vulnerable communities.
The study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2017-18, examining the health of 5,532 U.S. adults. The findings revealed that metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) affects 42% of adults, with Hispanic adults showing a higher prevalence at 47%. This marks a substantial increase from a 2014 study that reported a 29% prevalence among Hispanics.
The research also identified that MASLD is more prevalent among men, adults over 40, individuals with higher body mass index, and those with conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Interestingly, Black individuals were found to have the lowest risk of developing MASLD compared to other groups.
The study’s authors suggest that the higher prevalence of MASLD among Hispanics may be due to genetic predispositions and higher rates of diabetes and obesity. These findings point to the necessity for public health initiatives tailored to address specific risk factors in the Hispanic community.
While MASLD was the most common liver disease identified, the study also reported significant rates of metabolic and alcohol-associated liver diseases. The researchers call for further studies to understand the disparities and to promote early detection and lifestyle changes to prevent disease progression.
See “More than 40% of U.S. adults have liver disease, with higher risk among Hispanics, new study finds” (November 12, 2024)
