Characteristics of Overweight and Obese Patients with Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Predictive Factors for Significant Liver Fibrosis

Abstract

   Background: Overweight and obesity are high-risk groups for developing Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), with an odds ratio (OR) of

5.5. MAFLD is the second most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, using transient elastography, up to 6.41% of overweight and obese patients with MAFLD have significant liver fibrosis, and overweight and obesity are strong predictors of advanced fibrosis, with an increase of over 72%. Therefore, we conducted this study to describe the characteristics and risk factors of significant liver fibrosis in overweight and obese patients with MAFLD, contributing to better management of this patient population.

   Methods: A  cross-sectional  descriptive  study  was  conducted  on overweight and obese patients aged 18 years and older who attended the outpatient clinic of 115 People's Hospital from March 2024 to June 2024.

   Results: A total of 192 overweight and obese patients were included in the study. Among overweight and obese patients with MAFLD, BMI, glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-c, triglycerides, AST, ALT, GGT, as well as the prevalence of metabolic disorders were significantly higher compared to the non-MAFLD group (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis identified only BMI ≥25 kg/m² (OR: 4.17) and coexisting MAFLD (OR: 4.74) as risk factors for significant fibrosis.

   Conclusions: Among overweight and obese patients with MAFLD, the prevalence of metabolic disorders, liver stiffness values, and hepatic steatosis were higher compared to those without MAFLD. Coexisting MAFLD and BMI≥25 kg/m² were identified as risk factors for significant liver fibrosis in overweight and obese patients with MAFLD.

DOI: 10.59715/pntjmp.4.2.17