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The following is a summary of “Prevalence of MAFLD in the U.S. based on NHANES 2009–2018: differences in demographic characteristics, physical indices and lifestyle conditions,” published in the May 2025 issue of BMC Gastroenterology by Ye et al. 

The incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was elevated among U.S. adults, but studies on its occurrence in distinct ethnic and age groups were restricted.  

Researchers conducted a retrospective study to examine individuals with MAFLD living in the U.S, considering demographic characteristics, physical indices, and lifestyle conditions.  

They used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning 2009–2018, which included 23,546 participants aged ≥ 20 years. Variables analyzed included age, sex, race, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), blood pressure, sedentary behavior, sleep, and depression.  

The results showed that among 9,933 participants, 3,562 (34.1%) had MAFLD, with higher percentages in Mexican Americans (54.1%) and lower in blacks (20.5%). The MAFLD incidence was significantly greater (P< 0.001) in males (39%) than females (29.2%), especially in the 36–40 years age group. The incidence followed an age-dependent pattern, increasing and decreasing (except in whites). Compared to white patients with MAFLD, black patients had higher BMI, WC, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), while these measures were lower in Mexican Americans. Logistic regression adjusted for age and sex demonstrated that depression was more common in patients with MAFLD (P< 0.001), except for severe depression (P> 0.05) and MAFLD incidence was not significantly linked with sedentary behavior or sleep duration.  

Investigators concluded that while MAFLD incidence varied across racial, age, and sex groups, necessitating targeted interventions, further research was needed to explore the correlations between MAFLD incidence, sleep patterns, and an inactive lifestyle. 

Source: bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12876-025-03956-2