For this study, Friedman and his colleagues used federal survey data to assess the percentage of Americans who developed fattyThe researchers found that fatty liver disease increased most among white Americans, rising 133% between 1988 and 2018 to affect about 35% of the population. By comparison, the obesity rate for whites increased by just 77%.
Black Americans are less likely to have fatty liver disease, with about 25% affected. However, it also increased dramatically in Black people, rising 127% between 1988 and 2018 compared with a 59% increase in obesity. The rising obesity rate is contributing to the spread of fatty liver disease, but the fact that the disorder is outpacing obesity suggests something more is afoot, Friedman said.“People are just eating worse foods and not exercising, and it's affecting their liver as well as their overall health,” Friedman said.