The Alarming Rise of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in the US

The prevalence of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is increasing significantly in the United States, with a 131% increase from 1988 to 2018. MAFLD is the leading global cause of liver disease and is linked to genetics, obesity, diabetes, and abnormal levels of fats in the blood. Mexican Americans have a higher prevalence of MAFLD, but the increase in prevalence was more profound among non-Hispanic whites. A healthy diet and exercise can help reduce the risk of developing the disease, which can be reversed if detected early.