Overview:
Measurement of waist size emerges as the most effective predictor for metabolic-associated liver conditions, including MASLD, its progression to steatohepatitis, and increased liver stiffness, in both the general adult population and individuals with diabetes or multiple metabolic disorders.
Research Approach:
- MASLD affects approximately one-third of adults and is increasingly linked to abdominal obesity and visceral fat accumulation. While BMI estimates overall fat, it does not accurately reflect fat distribution compared to measures like waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, and waist-to-hip ratio.
- The study analyzed survey data from 2017 to 2023, involving adults with available liver health assessments and anthropometric measurements, to explore the relationship between body composition traits and risks of MASLD, MASH, and liver stiffness.
- Parameters assessed included height, weight, waist and hip circumference, body adiposity index, BMI, body roundness index, fat mass, waist-to-hip and waist-to-height ratios, waist-adjusted BMI, and weight-adjusted waist index.
- Definitions: MASLD was identified by a controlle...