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1 in 4 South Korean adults has metabolic fatty liver disease; healthy habits cut risk by 32%
🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

1 in 4 South Korean adults has metabolic fatty liver disease; healthy habits cut risk by 32%

From Dong-A Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Documents & data Context piece
  • One in four South Korean adults suffers from metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition linked to obesity and diabetes.
  • Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, including diet, exercise, and not smoking, can reduce the risk of MAFLD by approximately 32%.
  • Integrated lifestyle management, rather than focusing on single habits, is crucial for preventing and managing the disease.

A significant portion of South Korea's adult population, approximately one in four, is affected by metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a chronic liver condition often accompanied by metabolic issues like obesity and diabetes. The findings stem from an analysis of over 23,000 adults conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA).

The integrated lifestyle management is important for preventing and managing metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.

— Research teamEmphasizing the study's findings on lifestyle interventions.

The study, which analyzed data from 2016 to 2021, revealed a prevalence rate of 24.1% for MAFLD among adults aged 19 to 80. This condition, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by fat accumulation in the liver and can progress to cirrhosis or lead to cardiovascular diseases if left unmanaged, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Researchers investigated the correlation between four key lifestyle habits, healthy diet, sufficient physical activity, non-smoking, and adequate sleep, and the likelihood of developing MAFLD. The results indicated a clear inverse relationship: the more healthy habits individuals practiced, the lower their risk of developing the disease.

Recently, the number of patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease is steadily increasing.

— Professor Sung Pil-sooCommenting on the rising prevalence of the disease.

Specifically, individuals practicing two healthy habits showed a 17.5% lower risk compared to those practicing zero to one habit. This risk reduction increased to 28.6% for those adhering to three to four habits. Notably, those who combined a healthy diet, sufficient physical activity, and non-smoking reduced their MAFLD risk by about 32% compared to the least healthy group. Experts emphasize that integrated lifestyle management is key to preventing and managing MAFLD, viewing it as a critical warning sign for overall metabolic health.

It is necessary to recognize fatty liver as a warning sign for systemic metabolic health.

— Professor Sung Pil-sooHighlighting the broader health implications of fatty liver disease.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Dong-A Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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