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March 21, 2026BMC Medicine3 citationsOpen Access

Global and regional prevalence, burden, and risk factors for MASLD in children and adolescents aged 5 to 24 years: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and modeling study

YLYunfei LiuSCShan CaiRYRuolan Yang

Key Points

  • This research aims to analyze the global and regional prevalence and risk factors of MASLD in youth.
  • Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis on MASLD prevalence estimates.
  • Utilized model-based methods to forecast regional shifts in MASLD burden.
  • Assessed obesity as a key risk factor affecting MASLD rates.
  • MASLD prevalence among children and adolescents is rising globally.
  • Predictions indicate a shift in MASLD burden towards less developed areas, especially in Africa.
  • Highlight the urgent need for targeted investment in obesity prevention strategies.

Abstract

The prevalence of MASLD among children and adolescents continues to rise alongside the epidemic of obesity. Model-based estimates suggest that the burden of MASLD may shift over time towards currently less developed regions of the world, such as Africa, and less well-developed regions in China. Targeted investment in obesity prevention is urgently needed, as are health services to reduce the health impacts of MASLD during and beyond childhood and adolescence.

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Cite This Study

Liu et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/69be37626e48c4981c676f0fhttps://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-026-04801-3
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