Gender differences in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in obese children and adolescents: a large cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Previous studies have reported sex differences in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adults; however, little is known about its occurrence in children and adolescents. This study aims to examine the prevalence of NAFLD among them and investigate the relationship between sex hormones and NAFLD.

Method

This study included 2999 obese Chinese children aged 2-18 years. We examined the prevalence of NAFLD by sex, age, and Tanner stage. The regression model and principal component analysis were used to analyze the relationship between sex hormones and NAFLD.

Results

The prevalence of NAFLD increased with age in both sexes, and the gender difference appeared before puberty. The prevalence in boys tended to stabilize at the age of 11 years, whereas girls

SUBMITTER: Jin B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10858100 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature