Fatty liver disease in overweight and obese Iranian Children: Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Fatty liver disease in children can lead to disease and mortality in young people and reduce the quality of life. This study was performed as a systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim of estimating the overall prevalence of fatty liver in Iranian children and the prevalence in overweight and obese children. This study is designed based on the PRISMA Statement. English and Persian databases are searched. All searched studies have been reviewed. The results were reported with the guidance of Garrard's approach. Twelve articles were included in the review study. The results of meta-analysis showed that the overall prevalence of fatty liver in Iranian children is estimated at 24%, while the prevalence of fatty liver in overweight and obese Iranian children was reported to be 21.6% and 50.8%, respectively. Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity can be major causes of fatty liver disease in children. At the same time, establishing a healthy lifestyle is known to be a major factor in the prevention and treatment of fatty liver in children. • The overall prevalence of fatty liver is 24% in Iranian children. • The prevalence of fatty liver in overweight Iranian children is 21.6%. • The prevalence of fatty liver in obese Iranian children is 50.8%. • Unhealthy diet and physical inactivity were the major causes of fatty liver in children.