• C P Onyia, P Asogwa, W Adiri, O Obienu, U N Ijoma, S C Nwokediuko, and E N Okeke.
• Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria.
• Niger J Clin Pract. 2024 Mar 1; 27 (3): 352360352-360.

BackgroundNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now adjudged the most common liver disease in the world, contributing to the rising incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. However, the true prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among obese individuals and its contribution to the burden of liver disease in Nigeria is unknown.AimTo determine the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and associated risk factors in obese subjects.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional analytical study of 280 obese subjects and 280 nonobese age and sex-matched controls seen at our health facility. Data collection was done using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and anthropometric parameters were obtained. Fasting blood samples were collected for blood glucose, lipid profile, and liver biochemistry. Abdominal ultrasound was used to screen for NAFLD. The results were subjected to relevant statistical analysis using SPSS version 20.ResultsA higher prevalence of NAFLD was found in obese subjects, compared with nonobese controls (36.4% versus 0.4% P < 0.001). The degree of obesity, transaminases, total cholesterol, diastolic hypertension, fasting blood glucose, and waist circumference was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of NAFLD. However, using multivariate logistic regression analysis, diabetes mellitus and hypertension were significant associations for NAFLD. Individuals with NAFLD had a significantly higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome 65.9%, compared with 34.1% in obese individuals without NAFLD (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of NAFLD in obese subjects was significant. NAFLD in obese subjects was associated with degree of obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus.Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Nigerian Journal of Clinical Practice.

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