ISSN : 2663-2187

Prevalence of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese adolescent males and its correlation anthropometric measurements and hypertension

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Dr. Shilpa Choudhary (MBBS, MD)
» doi: 10.48047/AFJBS.4.4.2022.969-979

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized as a major metabolic disorder in children and adolescents, particularly in those with obesity. NAFLD is closely associated with components of metabolic syndrome, including central obesity and hypertension. However, data on the prevalence of NAFLD and its correlation with anthropometric indices and blood pressure among obese adolescents in central India are limited. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of NAFLD in overweight and obese adolescent males and to evaluate its correlation with anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Nagpur, India, from November 2020 to September 2022. A total of 200 overweight and obese adolescents (aged 8–18 years) were enrolled. Anthropometric measurements including body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and blood pressure were recorded using standardized methods. NAFLD was diagnosed and graded using ultrasonography. Correlations between ultrasonographic grades of NAFLD and anthropometric parameters and blood pressure were assessed using correlation coefficients. Results: NAFLD was detected in 165 (82.5%) adolescents. Grade 1, 2, and 3 NAFLD were present in 32.1%, 41.8%, and 18.2% participants, respectively. Adolescents with NAFLD had significantly higher BMI, WC, WHR, and both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to those without NAFLD (p<0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed between USG grades of NAFLD and BMI (r=0.57, p<0.001). Positive but non-significant correlations were noted between NAFLD grades and WC, HC, WHR, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure. Conclusion: NAFLD is highly prevalent among overweight and obese adolescent males. BMI shows a strong and significant correlation with the severity of NAFLD, while central obesity indices and hypertension demonstrate positive but non-significant associations. Early identification of NAFLD using simple anthropometric measures may help in timely intervention and prevention of future cardiometabolic complications.

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