Association between obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults aged 18 years and above – data from NHANES 2017–2018

Abstract

Introduction and Objective. Studies have Increasingly addressed a possible association between obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), although it remains an issue of controversy. The aim in the study is to determine an association between obesity and NAFLD among 1,120 adults ≥ 18 years of age, through a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2017–2018. Materials and Method. Data analyzed in the study were obtained from the NHANES database which provides multitudinous information concerning the health and nutrition of the general population in the USA. Data obtained from the NHANES surveys, conducted between 2017–2018, was utilised. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine the association between obesity and NAFLD. Results. Of the 1,120 participants enrolled, 434 (38.75%) had NAFLD. There was a positive association between obesity and NAFLD in all three models: model 1 – OR=1.80, 95% CI: 1.39–2.21; model 2 – OR=1.87, 95% CI: 1.41–2.33; model 3 – OR=1.76, 95% CI: 1.29–2.22). There was a positive association between BMI and NAFLD in all three models (model 1: OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.13–1.23; model 2: OR=1.19, 95% CI: 1.14–1.25; model 3: OR=1.18, 95% CI: 1.12–1.24). Conclusions. The study findings confirm a strong association between obesity and NAFLD in individuals aged 18 and older, leading to a significantly elevated risk of NAFLD among those who are obese. Therefore, it is concluded that prompt interventions by healthcare professionals are necessary to facilitate weight reduction and support the recovery of health in obese patients.