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Updated: May 14, 2026

In Vitro Modeling of Fat Deposition in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease
07:03

In Vitro Modeling of Fat Deposition in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Published on: July 19, 2024

Epidemiological features of pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in China

Xiongfeng Pan1,2, Judy McDonald3,4, Xinrui Tan3

  • 1Pediatrics Research Institute of Hunan Province, the Affiliated Children's Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University (Hunan Children's Hospital), Changsha, China. pxfcsu@163.com.

Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome
|May 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects over 22% of children in China. Boys, older children, and those who are overweight or obese show higher prevalence, highlighting the need for urgent public health interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology
  • Public Health and Epidemiology
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern in pediatric populations globally.
  • China faces a significant public health challenge with the rising incidence of pediatric NAFLD.
  • This study addresses the need for updated epidemiological data on NAFLD in Chinese children and adolescents.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the prevalence of pediatric NAFLD across China.
  • To identify key epidemiological characteristics and risk factors associated with pediatric NAFLD.
  • To inform public health strategies and interventions for NAFLD control in children.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of English and Chinese databases for studies published before January 1st, 2025.
  • Inclusion and exclusion criteria applied for rigorous screening and data extraction.
  • Pooled prevalence calculated using the Freeman-Tukey Double Arcsine Transformation Method with subgroup analyses by region, income, age, and gender.

Main Results:

  • Analysis of 219 studies involving 126,682 participants.
  • Nationwide prevalence of pediatric NAFLD in China estimated at 22.82%.
  • Higher prevalence observed in boys, older children, southern/northeastern regions, and overweight/obese individuals. Metabolic, endocrine, and lifestyle factors identified as key determinants.

Conclusions:

  • The substantial burden of pediatric NAFLD in China necessitates effective intervention studies.
  • Governmental action is crucial for public awareness and health policies to combat the NAFLD epidemic.
  • Targeted interventions focusing on metabolic, endocrine, and lifestyle factors are recommended.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChinaEpidemiologicalNonalcoholic fatty liver diseasePediatricPrevalence

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