Healthy Eating, Exercise, and Quitting Smoking... Fatty Liver Risk Drops by 32%

KDCA analyzes data from 23,000 adults in national health survey
Practicing three to four healthy lifestyle habits significantly lowers risk

Healthy lifestyle habits have been shown to reduce the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

The National Institute of Health under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency announced these findings on August 19, based on an analysis of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The research team used data from 23,111 Korean adults aged 19 to 80 who participated in the survey from 2016 to 2021. They analyzed the association between four healthy lifestyle habits—healthy eating, sufficient physical activity, non-smoking, and appropriate sleep—and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.

Analysis results of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency

The analysis found that the more healthy lifestyle habits individuals practiced, the lower their likelihood of having metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Compared to the group practicing zero or one healthy habit, the risk was 17.5% lower for those practicing two habits and 28.6% lower for those practicing three or four habits. In particular, those who simultaneously practiced healthy eating, sufficient physical activity, and non-smoking saw approximately a 32% reduction in risk.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease is a chronic liver disease characterized by fat accumulation in the liver, accompanied by cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors such as obesity and diabetes. It can progress to liver cirrhosis or is associated with cardiovascular disease, making continuous management essential. The study found that the prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among Korean adults was 24.1%, meaning that approximately one in every four adults is affected.

Kim Wonho, Head of the Department of Chronic Disease Convergence Research at the National Institute of Health, stated, "Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease is not limited to liver diseases alone, but can also be related to the burden of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, making early prevention and management crucial. We will continue to provide scientific evidence necessary for formulating strategies to improve lifestyle habits and prevent chronic diseases to promote public health."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.