Prevalence and Possible Risk Factors of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in Non-Obese Individuals in El-Minia Governorate –Egypt

Background: Obesity is a significant risk factor for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). It influences around 20%-30% of population worldwide and enhances the risk for hepatic and extra-hepatic complications. However, MAFLD occurs in lean subjects.
Objective: This study aimed to detect the prevalence of non-obese NAFLD in our community, to compare the socio-demographics, clinical and metabolic characteristics of non-obese versus obese MAFLD individuals, and to determine risk factors for MAFLD in non-obese subjects.
Materials and methods: 100 adults aged ≥18 years with BMI ≤ 25 were studied. In this study, clinical assessment, anthropometric measurements, laboratory tests, ultrasonography (US) and shear wave elastography were done.
Results: Among 100 subjects, 26 were MAFLD lean, while 74 healthy controls, the lean MAFLD females were 19 (73.1%), while 7 (26.9%) were males. Lean MAFLD was more common in females, housewives with possible risk factors like insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia.
Conclusion: MAFLD is present in non-obese individuals with possible risk factors like insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia.