Risk Factors for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease from the Perspective of Medical Professionals: a Systematic Review and Expert Opinion

Abstract

Background:

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has increased with the global increase in the outbreak of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, reaching a 25% prevalence. However, there is currently no effective treatment for this disease apart from lifestyle modification. Furthermore, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease commonly presents without symptoms, hence, leading to potentially severe and irreparable consequences.

Methods:

This study was based on a systematic review. The search used the keywords "non-alcoholic fatty liver" and "risk factor" across the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. First, the articles were evaluated based on their abstract and then on their full text. The risk factors were extracted from the articles and entered into the Excel form, and then a dataset was provided to the expert panel. The risk factors were investigated, and those related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were selected.

Results:

The results led to the identification of 180 risk factors in 15 categories. First, the risk factors mentioned in fewer than five articles were removed. Then, the remaining 101 risk factors were presented to the expert panel, of which 39 risk factors related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease were selected.

Conclusion:

In summary, this study shows that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is caused by various factors such as metabolic syndrome, certain diseases, demographic information, specific surgeries, drug consumption, different foods and beverages, occupation, physical activity status, and socioeconomic status. Recognizing these risk factors enables doctors to make earlier diagnoses, potentially preventing disease progression. Additionally, it is possible to develop treatment strategies aimed at reducing the risk factors of the disease, which could result in fewer patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the future.