Introduction and aim: To investigate the association of adolescent obesity with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and related risk factors in Xi'an, China.
Material and methods: A total of 4141 adolescents (2,061 girls and 2,080 boys, mean age: 18.62 ± 0.66 years, age range 15-22 years) were enrolled in this investigation. Anthropometric index was measured, and liver ultrasonography and liver function biochemical test were performed in all the subjects. T test, χ2 test and logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analyses.
Results: The total rates of obesity was 7.9% (08/4,141). The prevalence rate of NAFLD was 8.1% (335/4141) with a declining trend from obesity, overweight to normal BMI. NAFLD prevalence rate in obese boys was significantly higher than in girls (χ2 = 56.5, P < 0.01). BMI, body weight, ALT, and AST in NAFLD group were higher than in non-NAFLD group (P < 0.05). The tangent point of ALT was 36 U/L using Youden index in boys, and 33 U/L in girls.
Conclusion: The prevalence of obesity and NAFLD in adolescents is higher in Xi'an than anticipated. Body weight and BMI may be the associated independent risk factors of NAFLD.
Keywords: Adolescents. Obesity. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Prevalence. Risk factors..