Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing epidemic linked to metabolic disease and is the most prevalent cause of chronic liver disease. We, therefore, designed the study to analyze the global and regional burden of NAFLD from 1990 to 2019.

We collected data on NAFLD from the Global Burden of Disease study 2019, aiming to conduct a systematic assessment of the changes and trends in NAFLD in 204 countries. Secondary analysis of NAFLD was conducted using age-standardized rates (ASRs) and estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs) to show the changing trends and development characteristics. Data statistics and visualization were executed with the R program.

Globally, incidence, deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of NAFLD all showed an upward trend. Between 1990 and 2019, the incidence of NAFLD increased by 95.4%, from 88,177 to 172,330 cases. Meanwhile, the ASIR of the middle SDI region had the highest increase, followed by the low-middle SDI region. Of all countries, the most incident cases were in China, which accounted for approximately 23.6% of NAFLD. China was also the country with the largest cases of deaths and DALYs. And behavioral risk, metabolic factors, smoking and high fasting plasma glucose were the critical risk factors associated with the mortality and DALYs of NAFLD.

NAFLD has become a considerable health burden in many countries. Therefore, we should control the risk factors of NAFLD and take corresponding measures to achieve its early prevention and treatment.