Fatty liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) have recently been identified as a significant global health concern, with numerous studies correlating MASLD with various extrahepatic comorbidities. This study assessed extrahepatic comorbidities in individuals with MASLD and emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for its treatment.

A cross-sectional investigation was carried out at a tertiary center in Tehran. Diagnosis of fatty liver was made through ultrasonographic findings. Individuals with other liver conditions were excluded from the study. Participants had their liver stiffness assessed using Fibroscan, while clinical data and liver function tests were gathered, and they completed questionnaires for DASS-21 and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

Among the 385 participants in the study, 50.6% experienced severe steatosis, while 29.1% exhibited severe fibrosis. Various comorbidities, including hypertension (fibrosis: P=0.033, steatosis: P=0.011), diabetes (fibrosis: P=0.006, steatosis: P=0.002), and inadequate sleep quality (fibrosis: P=0.015), were notably linked to the severity of NAFLD. There were significant differences in the average scores for depression and anxiety across varying degrees of fibrosis and steatosis (P<0.05).

MASLD is a multisystem condition that has extensive extrahepatic effects on numerous organs and systems. Individuals diagnosed with MASLD need to be assessed for additional health issues, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders, in order to enhance overall health results and hinder the progression of the disease.