En Hui Lim G, Tang A, Ng CH, et al. - Findings showed the existence of stark differences in the prevalence as well as risk factors between metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, in the employment of the MAFLD definition, a greater stress on the treatment of concomitant metabolic diseases and a collective attempt is needed to explore the complex pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the disease.

• In this observational data meta-analysis, 22 relevant articles involving 379,801 patients (identified from Medline and Embase databases) were analyzed to compare the disparities between the natural history of NAFLD and MAFLD.

• By pooled estimates, MAFLD prevalence was 39.22% with the highest prevalence in Europe, Asia, and current MAFLD definition only accounted for 81.59% of NAFLD diagnosis.

• Elevated odds of receiving a diagnosis of MAFLD vs NAFLD were found in patients (OR: 1.37).

• Imaging modality led to a significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with MAFLD than NAFLD, but not biopsy.

• MAFLD, vs NAFLD, was found to be significantly linked with males, higher BMI, hypertension, diabetes, lipids, transaminitis, and greater fibrosis scores.