Contrary to the belief that excessive alcohol consumption is the primary cause of fatty liver disease, a recent study found that one in four South Korean adults suffers from metabolic dysfunction fatty liver disease (MASLD), which is often linked to obesity and diabetes. The risk varies based on lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, smoking, and sleep.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Health Research Institute reported on August 19 that the prevalence of MASLD among South Korean adults is 24.1%, based on an analysis of data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
MASLD is a chronic liver disease characterized by the accumulation of fat in the liver, often accompanied by cardiovascular risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. Previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, it can progress to cirrhosis and is associated with cardiovascular diseases, necessitating ongoing management.
The analysis utilized data from 20,311 men and women aged 19 to 80 who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2016 to 2021.
The research team examined the relationship between MASLD and four lifestyle factors: healthy diet, sufficient physical activity, non-smoking, and adequate sleep.
Sufficient physical activity was defined as engaging in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 150 minutes per week or high-intensity exercise for at least 75 minutes per week. Adequate sleep was considered to be an average of 7 to 9 hours per day. A healthy diet was classified as falling within the top 33.3% of the Korean dietary evaluation index.
The findings revealed that the more healthy lifestyle habits individuals practiced, the lower their likelihood of having MASLD. Compared to those who followed 0 to 1 healthy habit, individuals adhering to 2 habits had a 17.5% lower chance of having the disease, while those following 3 to 4 habits had a 28.6% lower chance. Notably, practicing a healthy diet, sufficient physical activity, and non-smoking together resulted in approximately a 32% lower risk, demonstrating the most significant difference.
This underscores the importance of not viewing fatty liver solely as an alcohol-related issue. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's National Health Information Portal also emphasizes that MASLD is closely linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome.
Kim Min-joo, the lead researcher, stated, "Metabolic dysfunction fatty liver disease is closely connected to various cardiovascular risk factors, including obesity, insulin resistance, and abnormalities in blood pressure and lipids, making lifestyle management crucial."
The results of this study were published online in the international journal BMC Public Health on June 24.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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