Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its association with lifestyle habits in adults in Chile: a cross-sectional study from the National Health Survey 2016–2017

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents an excessive fat accumulation within the liver, usually associated with excess body weight. A liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis, but it is inapplicable in population-based studies. In large populations, non-invasive methods could be used, which may also serve to identify potential protective factors. We aimed to: [a] estimate NAFLD prevalence in the adult population in Chile by using non-invasive methods; and [b] determine the association between the presence of NAFLD and lifestyle habits. The National Health Survey of Chile 2016-2017 was analysed. We included individuals aged 21-75 years, without infectious diseases nor risky alcohol consumption. NAFLD was detected by either Fatty Liver Index (FLI; considers circulating triglycerides, circulating gamma-glutamyl-transferase, body mass index, and waist circumference), Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP; considers sex, circulating triglycerides, and waist circumference), or their combination. Lifestyle habits were determined by questionnaires. We included 2,774 participants, representative of 10,599,094 [9,831,644–11,366,544] adults in Chile. NAFLD prevalence [95%CI] was 39.4% [36.2–42.8] by FLI, 27.2% [24.2–30.4] by LAP, and 23.5% [20.7–26.5] by their combination. The prevalence progressively increased with increasing body mass index. Less smoking, and more moderate-vigorous physical activity and whole-grain consumption were associated with lower odds of having NAFLD, independently of body mass index. At least one out of four adults in Chile is afflicted with NAFLD. Health promotion strategies focused on controlling excess body weight and promoting specific lifestyle habits are urgently required.

Unraveling the Connection between Fatty Liver Severity with Gender, Lifestyle, and Health Risks among Workers

“…A case-control study revealed that a stronger commitment to a healthy lifestyle, as indicated by a higher score in healthy lifestyle factors, was linked to a reduced risk of NAFLD [43]. According to the 2016-2017 Chilean National Health Survey, a reduced prevalence of smoking, increased engagement in moderate-vigorous physical activity, and higher consumption of whole-grains were linked to a decreased likelihood of developing NAFLD [23]. Furthermore, the consumption of alcohol, even in moderate amounts, has been linked to worsened liver conditions [11,12].…”

“…The current studies mainly concentrate on the general public or particular groups of patients [21][22][23]. Furthermore, the majority of studies investigate the demographic and clinical traits of individuals who have or do not have fatty liver [21][22][23].…”

“…The current studies mainly concentrate on the general public or particular groups of patients [21][22][23]. Furthermore, the majority of studies investigate the demographic and clinical traits of individuals who have or do not have fatty liver [21][22][23]. The exploration of the correlation between the severity of fatty liver and gender, lifestyle, and related health risks among Taiwanese workers has been insufficiently studied.…”

Esteatohepatitis no-alcohólica: Desarrollo silencioso de una emergencia en salud pública

“…El exceso de peso es uno de los factores de riesgo más relevantes para el desarrollo de HGNA. La prevalencia de HGNA aumenta progresivamente desde personas con peso normal hasta personas con obesidad mórbida 3 .…”

“…Para ello usamos dos índices no invasivos llamados FLI 6 y LAP 7 (del inglés Fatty Liver Index y Lipid Accumulation Product, respectivamente). Encontramos que la prevalencia de HGNA es 39,4% [IC95% 36,2-42,8] con el índice FLI, y 27,2% [IC95% 24,2-30,4] con el índice LAP 3 .…”