Frequency and risk factors of metabolic associated fatty liver disease among medical students in Egypt

Metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a growing global concern. This study assessed the frequency of hepatic steatosis and MAFLD, alongside their associated risk factors, among medical students at Suez University, Egypt. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to April 2023 among 84 medical students aged ≥ 18 years. Data on anthropometric parameters, body composition, and lifestyle were collected through self-administered questionnaires, InBody analysis, and FibroScan. MAFLD diagnosis required steatosis (≥ 238 dB/m) with obesity, metabolic dysfunction, or both. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, ANOVA, and logistic regression. Hepatic steatosis was present in 25% of participants, while MAFLD frequency was 13.1%. Participants with MAFLD exhibited higher body weight (82.34 ± 10.78 kg vs. 65.84 ± 10.61 kg, p < 0.001), BMI (29.05 ± 3.66 vs. 22.90 ± 3.23 kg/m², p < 0.001), waist circumference (88.73 ± 8.73 cm vs. 78.10 ± 7.96 cm, p < 0.001), BMR (1566.09 ± 27.37 vs. 1429.86 ± 93.44 kcal/day, p < 0.001), and fat mass (32.74 ± 7.25% vs. 23.91 ± 8.60%, p < 0.001). Binary regression analysis revealed increased body weight, BMI, waist circumference, and BMR as significant risk factors for MAFLD. An elevated fat mass percentage with a reduced muscle mass percentage highlighted the sarcopenic obesity role in MAFLD progression. Extreme weight reduction can exacerbate hepatic fat accumulation. Poor sleep quality, a sedentary lifestyle, and an unhealthy diet are also significant predictors. The widespread frequency of steatosis and MAFLD highlights the pressing need to tackle this silent epidemic among young Egyptian adults.