High prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the Chinese - results from the Hong Kong liver health census

Background & Aims The prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the general Chinese population is not clear, as there have been few large population studies focussing on healthy individuals. We aim to determine the prevalence and risk factors of NAFLD in a healthy Westernized Chinese population. Methods This is a prospective cross‐sectional study of 2493 volunteers recruited from the general population and the Red Cross Transfusion Center in Hong Kong. All underwent comprehensive questionnaire survey, blood test, abdominal ultrasound and transient elastography. Results The prevalence of NAFLD was 42%. Gender, age, waist circumference, systolic blood pressure, fasting cholesterol and glucose levels were significant factors. The relative risk of NAFLD in those with high waist circumference, diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolaemia was 2.99, 2.01, 1.79 and 1.54 respectively. The degree of steatosis increased with levels of fasting glucose, cholesterol, systolic blood pressure and waist circumference (all P