Fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome in adults from Shanghai suburb area: Prevalence and risk factors

ObjectiveTo investigate the prevalence of fatty liver disease (FLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adults from Shanghai suburb area, and to explore the risk factors of FLD and MetS.

MethodsAdults aged 20~74 years old from a community of Shanghai Songjiang district were invited to take medical examination, B-ultrasonography, clinical blood test and questionnaire investigation.FLD was diagnosed based on ultrasound image, and MetS diagnosed based on the physical examination and blood test according to criteria from the Modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (mATPⅢ 2005).The data thus obtained were used to analyze the prevalence and risk factors of FLD and MetS.

ResultsAmong the 6 608 participants being investigated, the prevalence of FLD was 38.29% (males 31.29%, females 42.67%, P < 0.001), and the prevalence of MetS was 36.40% (males 32.94%, females 38.56%, P < 0.001).FLD and MetS were more prevalent in females and participants having higher age, overweight or obesity, and having the history of high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus or hyperlipidemia.Better education and underweight were the protective factors of FLD and MetS.The FLD was the risk factor of MetS, and vice versa.

ConclusionThe prevalence of FLD in Songjiang district of Shanghai is higher than that in the data from literature, and the prevalence of MetS is maintains at the high level.High concern needs to be raised because of the high prevalence of FLD and MetS.