Year: 2026 | Month: October | Volume: 16 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 62-68
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20261007
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Ultrasonographically Detected Fatty Liver Among Overweight and Obese Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
Vignesh V1, M.S. Abilash2, Venisha M3, Sahasyaa Adalarasan3
1Junior Resident, 2Assistant Professor, 3Medical Student,
Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children, Madras Medical College, Egmore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Corresponding Author: Sahasyaa Adalarasan
ABSTRACT
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly recognized as a significant health concern in children, particularly among those with obesity. It is closely associated with metabolic syndrome and presents risks of cardiovascular, metabolic, and hepatic complications. Despite the rising prevalence of childhood obesity, data on NAFLD prevalence and its associated factors in Indian pediatric populations remain limited.
Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was conducted over 1 year at a tertiary care hospital. The study enrolled 96 overweight and obese children aged 5 to 12 years. Data collection included anthropometric measurements, liver ultrasonography, blood pressure, and biochemical analysis of liver enzymes (AST and ALT). Statistical analysis was performed to assess associations between NAFLD and variables such as BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, and liver enzymes.
Results: The prevalence of NAFLD was found to be 19.8% (95% CI: 12.7%–27.1%) based on ultrasonographic findings. Among the affected participants, 17.7% had grade 1 fatty liver and 2.1% had grade 2. Significant associations were observed between NAFLD and elevated BMI, waist circumference, diastolic blood pressure, and liver enzyme levels. Acanthosis nigricans, present in 28.1% of participants, was strongly associated with NAFLD (p = 0.001). Obesity was identified as a major risk factor, with 60.4% of participants categorized as obese.
Conclusion: This study highlights the substantial prevalence of NAFLD among overweight and obese children, emphasizing the role of central obesity, hypertension, and elevated liver enzymes as key factors associated with NAFLD. Early detection and targeted interventions, including lifestyle modifications, are critical to mitigating the progression and long-term consequences of NAFLD in pediatric populations.
Key words: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Childhood obesity, Overweight, Anthropometric parameters, Central obesity, Liver Ultrasound, Metabolic factors, Liver enzymes