Prevalence and risk factors of fatty liver disease in young and middle-aged population: One center study in southwestern China

Background and Aim: Fatty liver disease has become common hepatic disease not only in western countries but also in developing countries in Asia-Pacific area. Our aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of fatty liver disease as well as its correlation with metabolic syndrome in young and middle-aged population. Methods: Data were collected from check-up center at the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University in 2011. Relationships of fatty liver disease and age, body mass index, and metabolic syndrome were determined. Logistic regression was performed to identify the risk factors for fatty liver disease. Results: Data of 18 676 subjects (mean age 40.55 +/- 9.94 ranging from 18 to 59) were analyzed. The prevalence of fatty liver disease was 22.0% and increased along with age, body mass index, and the presence and severity of metabolic syndrome. In logistic regression, living area was significantly associated with fatty liver in total population. Male, overweight and obese, waist-to-height ratio >= 0.5, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, high triglyceride, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose >= 7.0 mmol/L were common independent risk factors for fatty liver disease in urban and rural areas. Older age and white blood cell over 5.5 x10(9)/L were related to fatty liver disease in urban area. Obesity was the most important factors in both areas. Conclusion: Fatty liver disease was prevalent in young and middle-aged population and mainly associated to multiple metabolic disorders.