Publication Details
Abstract
Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, has emerged as one of the most common metabolic disorders worldwide, characterized by excessive lipid accumulation in hepatocytes that disrupts liver structure and function. Its increasing prevalence has been a result of increasing incidence of obesity, diabetes and alcohol drinking, even in Uzbekistan, with recent studies reporting high levels of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among diabetic and obese populations. Although the burden is rising, the epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, and management outcome of this disease do not have enough region-specific data. This paper sought to examine the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical aspects of fatty liver disease through national hospital records, FibroScan examinations, and ultrasonography data that were obtained in 2022-2025. Quantitative and clinical data was studied to establish correlations between metabolic disorders and hepatic steatosis. Results showed that NAFLD was found among 27 percent of those who were screened with the highest incidence in Andijan and Fergana where obesity and carbohydrate diets are predominant. High ALT and AST, and imaging showed that there was a strong involvement of the hepatic. The findings highlight obesity, insulin resistance, and impoverished food as overriding contributors of fatty liver disease. The study highlights the urgent need for early screening, lifestyle modification, and multidisciplinary management to prevent disease progression to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. These findings have important implications for national health strategies focused on metabolic disease prevention and liver health promotion in Uzbekistan.