Review article: the epidemiologic burden of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease across the world

Linda Henry; James Paik; Zobair M. Younossi

doi:10.1111/apt.17158

journal article Jul 26, 2022

Review article: the epidemiologic burden of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease across the world

Linda Henry

James Paik Zobair M. Younossi

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Vol. 56 No. 6 pp. 942-956 · Wiley

View at Publisher Save 10.1111/apt.17158

Abstract

SummaryBackgroundThe prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing in parallel with obesity and type 2 diabetes.AimTo review the global epidemiology of NAFLDMethodsWe retrieved articles from PubMed using search terms of NAFLD, epidemiology, prevalence, incidence, and comorbidities.ResultsOver 250 articles were reviewed. In 2016, the global NAFLD prevalence was 25%; this increased to >30% in 2019. Prevalence in Asia, Latin America and Middle East‐North Africa (MENA) was 30.8%, 34.5% and 42.6%, respectively. Prevalence increased with age. Although prevalence was higher in men, prevalence in post‐menopausal women was similar. NAFLD prevalence was higher in certain subpopulations, especially among the obese and those with metabolic syndrome (MS). However, the prevalence of lean NAFLD was 11.2%. The global prevalence of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is estimated between 2% and 6% in the general population. Approximately 7% of patients with NAFLD have advanced fibrosis; rates were between 21% and 50% among patients with NASH. Overall mortality related to NAFLD was 15–20 per 1000 person‐years, and increased substantially in patients with NASH, especially in those with components of MS. Recent data suggest mortality/morbidity from NAFLD is increasing globally but NAFLD awareness remains low among patients and healthcare providers.ConclusionsNAFLD poses a global public health problem with a very high disease burden in Asia, MENA and Latin America. Research is needed to better quantify the full impact of NAFLD and to develop strategies to improve awareness and risk stratification.

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Metrics

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Citations

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References

Details

Published: Jul 26, 2022
Vol/Issue: 56(6)
Pages: 942-956
License: View

Authors

L

Linda Henry

Center for Liver Diseases Department of Medicine Inova Fairfax Medical Campus Falls Church Virginia USA

J

James Paik

Betty and Guy Beatty Center for Integrated Research Inova Health System Falls Church Virginia USA

Z

Zobair M. Younossi

Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Diseases Washington DC USA

Cite This Article

Linda Henry, James Paik, Zobair M. Younossi (2022). Review article: the epidemiologic burden of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease across the world. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 56(6), 942-956. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17158

Review article: the epidemiologic burden of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease across the world

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