Which risk factors are associated with the progression of NAFLD?

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    Last Updated: April 23, 2025

    Approximately 35% to 40% of people with early-stage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may experience fibrosis progression, which can lead to severe complications like liver cirrhosis and cancer. The strongest risk factors for this progression are the presence of type 2 diabetes and obesity.

    Evidence suggests that about 35–40% of people with early stage NAFLD experience fibrosis progression,[1][2] which can eventually lead to advanced liver cirrhosis and further complications such as liver cancer and failure, resulting in the need for liver transplantation. Therefore, it’s important to identify risk factors associated with the progression of NAFLD.

    Meta-analyses of observational studies report that the strongest predictor of the progression of NAFLD to severe liver disease is the presence of type 2 diabetes.[3][4] Obesity is also associated with an increased risk of developing severe liver disease.[3][4]

    Which risk factors are associated with the progression of NAFLD? - Examine