NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE (NAFLD) AMONG OBESE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) commonly results in cirrhosis and liver related death. Obesity is associated with an increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. NAFLD has become an important public health problem throughout the globe. The aim of this study was to see frequency of NAFLD among obese patients admitted at the Department of Medicine of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital.

Methods: A total of 100 obese patients having BMI ≥25 kg/M² were included in this cross-sectional study. Patients’ characteristics, laboratory and face-to-face interview data were analyzed.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 52.61 (SD ± 7.02) years. It was found that more patients were from 51-60 years age group (39%); followed by 41-50 years age group (28%). NAFLD was found in 79% of obese adult patients. Laboratory parameters including TG, HDL, FBG and high blood pressure were compared between NAFLD and normal obese groups. There were no significant differences between the two groups except for FBG. NAFLD patients suffered more from high blood sugar than normal obese patients. Higher intake of meat, increased smoking, lower intake of fish, higher intake of soft drinks & FBG value over 6.1 mmol/L were identified as risk factors for the development of NAFLD.

Conclusion: NAFLD is emerging as one of the most common liver disorders claiming urgent attention of the public, clinicians and researchers. Further in-depth, large scale prospective studies are necessary to dig out more information in this topic.