1 in 4 South Korean Adults Has Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease… Healthy Lifestyle Cuts Risk by Up to 32%

Approximately 1 in 4 South Korean adults suffers from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), data showed.

The Korea National Institute of Health (KNIH), under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), announced that an analysis of data from 23,111 adult men and women aged 19 to 80 who participated in the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2016–2021) revealed a MASLD prevalence rate of 24.1%.

MASLD is a chronic liver disease in which fat accumulates in the liver alongside risk factors for metabolic syndrome such as obesity and diabetes.

It was formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Caution is required as MASLD can progress to cirrhosis or lead to cardiovascular complications.

The research team analyzed the correlation between MASLD and four lifestyle habits: a healthy diet, sufficient physical activity, non-smoking, and adequate sleep.

The results showed that individuals who practiced healthy lifestyle habits were up to 32% less likely to have MASLD compared to those who did not.

The findings of this study were published online in the international journal BMC Public Health in June.

(Photo: Capture from Yonhap News TV, Yonhap News)
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