Global, regional, and national burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease among adults aged ≥ 45 years: A comprehensive analysis of epidemiological trends and projections to 2035

This analysis explored the global burden of NAFLD in people aged 45 years and older from 1990 to 2021, demonstrating significant epidemiological changes. Age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates rose by 18.3% and 24.5%, respectively, with the most pronounced burden observed in middle-to-high SDI regions attributable to aging populations. Although women exhibited higher incidence rates, mortality rates remained consistently elevated among men, underscoring unmet intervention needs. Projections to 2035 indicate increasing incidence (particularly in women) alongside moderate declines in mortality and DALYs, underlining the requirement for prevention strategies that are specific to age and gender.