Weight-Loss Surgery Linked to Psoriasis Remission in Over 97 Percent of Patients: Systematic Review Suggests

Canada: A new systematic review suggests that metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) may significantly improve or even resolve psoriasis symptoms in most individuals struggling with both conditions. The study, conducted by Miranda K. Branyiczky and colleagues from the Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada, was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, is often exacerbated by obesity. Excess body weight not only contributes to higher disease severity but also reduces the effectiveness of various treatment options. Recognizing the growing use of MBS as a long-term weight loss solution, researchers sought to examine whether surgical intervention could also positively influence psoriasis outcomes.

To evaluate this, the authors systematically reviewed 14 studies involving a total of 169 patients (mean age 46.8 years), 74% of whom were women. The majority underwent gastric bypass surgery (75.1%), with others receiving sleeve gastrectomy (17.8%), gastric banding (5.3%), or jejunoileal bypass (0.6%).

Before surgery, 76.3% of patients presented with moderate psoriasis, 8.2% with severe disease, and 15.6% with mild symptoms, assessed using standard clinical tools, like the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and percentage of body surface area affected. Treatment regimens included topical agents (46.2%), non-biologic systemic medications (35.5%), and biologics (16.6%).

The key findings include the following:

  • Patients experienced a notable drop in average BMI from 43.7 before surgery to 32.9 after surgery.
  • Weight loss ranged between 8 and 25 BMI units over follow-up periods of four months to nine years.
  • 97.2% of patients showed either substantial improvement or complete remission of psoriasis symptoms after surgery.
  • Only 2.4% of patients reported worsening of their psoriasis condition post-surgery.
  • 78.1% of patients continued psoriasis treatment after surgery.
  • Many patients were able to shift to less intensive therapies, such as moving from systemic to topical treatments or needing no medication at all.

The findings provide compelling evidence supporting the role of weight loss surgery not just in improving metabolic health but also in managing inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis. However, the authors caution that more robust data from controlled clinical trials are needed to confirm these results and understand the long-term impact of MBS on psoriasis.

“Metabolic and bariatric surgery appears to hold promise as a supplementary approach for improving psoriasis outcomes in patients with obesity,” the researchers noted. “Further investigation is warranted to determine its full therapeutic potential.”

“As psoriasis and obesity continue to impose a dual burden on patients’ physical and psychological well-being, this emerging evidence emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary strategies that address both conditions simultaneously,” they concluded.

Reference:

Branyiczky, M. K., Lowe, M., & Vender, R. (2025). The association between bariatric surgery and improvement in psoriasis: A systematic review. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2025.05.1412

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Born on the Edge: Study Unravels the Cognitive Outcomes of Preterm and Early-Term Births

Preterm and early-term births have established associations with cognitive impairment, yet comprehensive studies accounting for genetic, prenatal, and child-specific factors in these high-risk populations remain sparse. Recently published investigation aimed to assess the long-term cognitive outcomes of children born across various gestational ages—including very preterm (28-31 weeks), moderately preterm (32-33 weeks), late preterm (34-36 weeks), and early term (37-38 weeks)—in comparison with full-term peers (≥39 weeks), while considering genetic influences and other risk factors. Through a prospective, multicenter, longitudinal cross-sectional study involving children aged 9 to 10 years from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive study, findings indicated significant cognitive differences among gestational age groups. Children born moderately preterm were found to have lower composite cognitive scores (β = -0.39; P < .001) compared to their full-term counterparts after adjusting for age, sex, socioeconomic status (SES), and polygenic scores (cogPGS), which account for genetic contributions to cognitive performance.

Impact of Maternal Influences

In particular, moderating factors such as maternal influences did attenuate this association slightly yet remained significant. Children born moderately preterm scored lower across several cognitive domains: vocabulary (β = -0.36), working memory (β = -0.27), episodic memory (β = -0.32), and recall tasks, affirming their cognitive challenges. Despite adjustments, children born at very preterm and late preterm classifications did not exhibit statistically significant differences in cognitive outcomes relative to full-term peers, suggesting variable risks associated with gestational age.

Cognitive Outcomes by Gestational Age

Furthermore, results indicated that children born at or below 32 weeks gestation scored lower in various cognitive domains, highlighting the critical developmental milestones that are often disrupted by early birth. Notably, the study revealed that despite lower gestational ages being directly correlated to cognitive deficits, the differences were not as pronounced for late preterm or early term births, pointing to the complexity of cognitive outcomes across the gestational spectrum.

Methodological Rigor and Limitations

The study employed rigorous methodologies, including adjusting for genetic influences using cogPGS derived from extensive genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, limitations exist, such as potential recall bias in maternal reporting and the generalizability of findings due to the demographic composition of the sample. These findings underscore the urgent need for early screening and interventions for children born before 34 weeks gestation due to their heightened risk for cognitive deficits, which may influence academic achievement and quality of life. Future research should aim for longitudinal designs incorporating genetic data to better elucidate the developmental trajectories stemming from preterm birth.

Key Points

– Preterm and early-term births are associated with cognitive impairment; this study examined children born at various gestational ages (very preterm to early term) to assess long-term cognitive outcomes, comparing them with full-term peers (≥39 weeks) while controlling for genetic and child-specific factors.

– Significant cognitive differences were found among gestational age groups, with moderately preterm children (32-33 weeks) exhibiting significantly lower composite cognitive scores than full-term children, after accounting for factors such as age, sex, SES, and genetic influences (polygenic scores).

– Children born moderately preterm showed deficits across multiple cognitive domains, including vocabulary, working memory, and episodic memory, indicating substantial cognitive challenges despite the moderating effects of maternal influences.

– Children born at or below 32 weeks gestation scored lower in various cognitive dimensions, demonstrating critical disruptions in developmental milestones due to early birth; however, late preterm and early term births did not show statistically significant cognitive outcome differences relative to full-term children.

– Methodological rigor was applied through the use of cogPGS for adjusting genetic influences, but limitations such as potential recall bias in maternal reporting and sample demographic considerations may affect the generalizability of the results.

– The study highlights the necessity for early screening and targeted interventions for children born before 34 weeks gestation to mitigate risks for cognitive deficits that can adversely affect academic performance and overall quality of life, with a call for future research to adopt longitudinal designs that incorporate genetic data for deeper insights into developmental trajectories post-preterm birth.

Reference –

Samson Nivins et al. (2025). Gestational Age And Cognitive Development In Childhood. *JAMA Network Open*, 8. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.4580.

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PRP Plus Fractional Laser Shows Promise for Vitiligo Treatment, Meta-Analysis Finds

China: A new meta-analysis published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology highlights the therapeutic potential of combining platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with fractional laser therapy for treating vitiligo. Led by Dr. Xiaowei Feng and colleagues from the Department of Dermatovenerology at Chengdu First People’s Hospital, China, the study analyzed current randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of this novel combination therapy.

Vitiligo, a chronic skin condition characterized by loss of pigment, often proves resistant to conventional treatments, prompting the need for innovative strategies. While both PRP and fractional laser therapy have been explored separately for their regenerative benefits, their combined use has not been comprehensively assessed until now.

To investigate, the researchers systematically reviewed seven randomized controlled trials involving a total of 366 adult patients with vitiligo. The studies compared outcomes between patients receiving the PRP-fractional laser combination and those treated with standard therapies such as topical medications, monotherapy, sun exposure, or other laser-based modalities like fractional laser plus narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB).

The study revealed the following findings:

  • Patients treated with the PRP and fractional laser combination showed significantly greater improvement in repigmentation (mean difference [MD]: 1.58) compared to control groups.
  • The satisfaction scores were also higher among those who received the combination therapy (MD: 1.87).
  • The chance of showing no response to treatment was almost halved in the combination group (risk ratio [RR]: 0.54), reflecting a better overall therapeutic outcome.
  • The incidence of adverse events was similar between the combination and control groups (RR: 0.86), indicating that the treatment’s improved efficacy did not come with increased side effects.

“These findings support the clinical utility of combining PRP with fractional laser for vitiligo, especially for patients with stable disease who have not responded to conventional treatments,” the authors noted. “The results highlight improved patient outcomes and reinforce the safety of this innovative approach.”

Despite these promising findings, the authors urge caution in interpreting the results. They emphasize the need for further high-quality, large-scale clinical trials to substantiate the long-term benefits and standardize treatment protocols.

In summary, the meta-analysis offers encouraging evidence that integrating platelet-rich plasma with fractional laser therapy may be a safe and effective option for managing vitiligo. As dermatologists continue to seek more effective interventions for this challenging condition, the PRP-laser combination could emerge as a valuable addition to the therapeutic arsenal, pending further clinical validation.

“The research highlights the combination of fractional laser and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a safe and effective treatment option for adults with vitiligo, especially in cases of stable disease that does not respond to conventional therapies,” the researchers noted. They added, “Although the findings are encouraging, further large-scale, well-designed randomized controlled trials are necessary to validate and reinforce these results.”

Reference:

Feng, X., Jiang, S., Zou, X., Deng, Y., & Xie, J. (2025). Efficacy and Safety of Combined Platelet-Rich Plasma With Fractional Laser for Adult Patients With Vitiligo: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 24(5), e70245. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.70245

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Common respiratory condition nearly triples the risk of death in adults, new study finds

A major study presented today at ESCMID Global 2025 has revealed that adults with respiratory syncytial virus-associated acute respiratory infection (RSV-ARI) face a 2.7-fold higher risk of death within one year compared to the general population.

The findings underscore the significant, yet often under-recognised, long-term health and economic burden of RSV-ARI in adults, particularly among those with underlying conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

RSV-ARI refers to a group of illnesses caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common and highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory tract. While its impact on infants and young children is well-documented, it can also lead to serious complications in adults, including pneumonia and chronic respiratory disease. Despite these risks, the full extent of its burden in adults remains poorly understood.

The Danish nationwide cohort study analysed data from 5,289 adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with RSV-ARI between 2011 and 2022, comparing them to 15,867 matched controls from the general population. Clinical and economic outcomes were assessed up to 365 days following RSV-ARI onset.

In addition to the increased risk of death, the study found that adults with RSV-ARI experienced significantly worse health outcomes. Over the course of the 365-day follow-up period, exacerbations of COPD and asthma were 3.1 and 4.6 times more frequent in RSV-ARI patients, respectively. Hospitalisation rates for RSV-ARI patients were more than double those of the control group (57% versus 28%), and intensive care unit admissions were nearly four times higher (5.3% versus 1.4%).

The economic impact of RSV-ARI was also considerable. Total direct healthcare costs for RSV-ARI patients during the 365-day follow-up amounted to €20,181, more than double the €8,085 spent on healthcare for individuals within the control group.

“One of the most striking findings from this study was the prolonged and significant impact of RSV-ARI”, said lead study author, Maria João Fonseca. “Even after the acute phase, patients continued to experience worse outcomes compared to the general population. This underscores just how serious and enduring the effects of RSV-ARI can be.”

“Exacerbations of COPD and asthma were the most common adverse clinical outcomes. These pre-existing conditions are already challenging in themselves, and RSV-ARI exacerbates their severity. Because of this, it’s crucial that we pay closer attention to patients with these underlying conditions to prevent further, potentially life-threatening complications.”

Commenting on the measures needed to reduce the impact of RSV-ARI, co-author, Stanislava Bratković commented, “Vaccination has proven highly effective in preventing severe outcomes from RSV. Given the significant burden of RSV-ARI highlighted by our study, prioritising vaccination for vulnerable populations is essential to reduce both health complications and associated costs.”

She concluded, “Looking forward, we hope our findings will inspire further research into the broader clinical and societal burden of RSV, particularly in high-risk groups. This will help shape more targeted preventive strategies and ensure timely interventions for those who need it most.”

Reference:

Common respiratory condition nearly triples the risk of death in adults, new study finds, Beyond, Meeting: ESCMID Global.

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Empowering Women’s Heart Health: Innovative App-Based Strategies to Boost Physical Activity After Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorders, suggests study

Recently conducted randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of app-based moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) interventions for women with a history of hypertensive pregnancy disorder (HPD). The study was conducted over an 8-week period and relied on the Integrated Behavior Change (IBC) model and behavior change techniques. Participants were divided into three groups: control, motivation, and action. The primary outcome measured was MVPA using a wearable fitness tracker, and secondary outcomes included variables like resting heart rate and self-reported measures. The interventions incorporated techniques targeting motivational, volitional, and automatic processes.

Intervention Results

The study found that while the action intervention positively impacted motivational and volitional processes, it did not lead to a significant increase in MVPA compared to the control group. Results showed a decline in MVPA over the study period across all groups, with no significant differences between the action and motivation groups. Attrition rates were observed at 27% by week 9, 41% by week 21, and 71% by week 61, diminishing the final sample size.

Subgroup Analyses

Subgroup analyses indicated that the action intervention was more effective for participants with low baseline MVPA levels. However, no differences were found in treatment effects based on educational level subgroups. The study highlighted the challenges of bridging the intention-behavior gap and emphasized the importance of targeting both automatic and deliberative processes for behavior change.

Engagement and Process Limitations

Although engagement rates were relatively high, with positive evaluations from participants, the study suggested that the interventions may have faced challenges due to participants reaching a high baseline level of MVPA. The interventions did not directly encourage increasing MVPA minutes, and the lack of impact on automatic processes raised questions about their role in driving MVPA behavior.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study underscored the complexity of behavior change interventions, especially in the context of increasing MVPA among women with HPD. While the interventions positively influenced motivational and volitional processes, translating these effects into significant changes in MVPA proved challenging. The study identified areas for improvement in future interventions, emphasizing the need for a tighter link between intervention activities and the desired outcomes.

Key Points

– The study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of app-based interventions for promoting moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in women with a history of hypertensive pregnancy disorder (HPD) using the Integrated Behavior Change (IBC) model and behavior change techniques over an 8-week period.

– Participants were divided into control, motivation, and action groups, with the primary outcome being MVPA measured using a fitness tracker, and secondary outcomes included variables like resting heart rate and self-reported measures, targeting motivational, volitional, and automatic processes.

– Findings revealed that while the action intervention positively impacted motivational and volitional processes, there was no significant increase in MVPA compared to the control group, with all groups showing a decline in MVPA over the study period and attrition rates increasing over time.

– Subgroup analyses indicated that the action intervention was more effective for participants with low baseline MVPA levels, emphasizing the challenge of bridging the intention-behavior gap and the importance of targeting automatic and deliberative processes for behavior change.

– Despite relatively high engagement rates and positive participant evaluations, challenges were faced due to participants starting at a high baseline level of MVPA, interventions not directly promoting increased MVPA minutes, and lack of impact on automatic processes potentially hindering the desired behavior change outcomes.

– In conclusion, the study highlighted the complexity of behavior change interventions for increasing MVPA in women with HPD, noting the influence on motivational and volitional processes but the difficulty in translating these effects into substantial changes in MVPA, suggesting areas for improvement in future interventions for a closer link between activities and desired outcomes.

Reference –

Lili L KóKai et al. (2025). App-Based Physical Activity Intervention Among Women With Prior Hypertensive Pregnancy Disorder. *JAMA Network Open*, 8. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.2656.

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NEET 2025: Check out Top Medical Colleges in Maharashtra to pursue MBBS as per NIRF

Maharashtra- Maharashtra is home to numerous government and private medical colleges. The state has a total of 42 government medical colleges, out of which two colleges are under the central government and the rest are under the state government.

Among these 42 government medical colleges, the top medical colleges in Maharashtra include All India Institute of Medical Sciences (Nagpur), Armed Forces Medical College (Pune), BJ Government Medical College (Pune), Dr. Vaishmpayan Memorial Medical College (Solapur), Dr. Shankarrao Chavan Govt. Medical College (Nanded), Government Medical Colleges in Alibag, Amravati, Baramati, Akola, Ambarnath, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Bhandara, Buldana, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Hingoli, Jalgaon.

Also Read: DMER begins Recruitment for 792 Faculty posts, 10 dean posts in Maha GMCs

Meanwhile, the private medical colleges of Maharashtra include Bharati Vidyapeeth University Medical College (Pune), Dr D Y Patil Medical College (Kolhapur), Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (Wardha), Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (Karad), Maharashtra Institute of Medical Education and Research (Pune), KJ Somaiya Medical College, Symbiosis Medical College for Women (Deemed University), Prakash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (Sangli) and MGM Medical College and Hospital (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), among others.

Moreover, according to the NIRF Rankings 2024 released last year by the Ministry of Education, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha and Armed Force Medical College, Pune, medical colleges from the state are ranked among the top 50. Below are details:

S.NO

RANK

INSTITUTE

STATE

SCORE

1

11th

Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth

Maharashtra

64.10

2

23rd

Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research

Maharashtra

60.14

3

30th

Armed Forces Medical College

Maharashtra

57.68

Medical Dialogues has earlier reported regarding the top 10 government medical colleges in India, as per the NIRF Ranking 2024. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), launched in November 2015 by the Ministry of Education, was used for this edition as well as for the previous eight editions of India Rankings released for the years 2016 to 2023.

Also Read: NEET 2025: Check Out Expected MBBS Cut-Off at Top Govt Medical Colleges

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NEET 2025 score manipulation racket busted! CBI arrests two for cheating aspirants

Maharashtra: For allegedly deceiving NEET 2025 aspirants and their families by claiming they could manipulate scores, and charging Rs 90 lakh per candidate, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has nabbed 2 individuals.

Speaking to PTI, officials informed, “The CBI arrested two men from Maharashtra for allegedly deceiving NEET UG 2025 aspirants and their families by claiming they could manipulate scores, and charging Rs 90 lakh per candidate.”

Sandeep Shah and Salim Patel, residents of Solapur and Navi Mumbai, respectively, allegedly hoodwinked candidates by posing as middlemen with access to non-existent officials of the National Testing Agency (NTA).

They allegedly demanded up to Rs 90 lakh per candidate, later reducing the amount to Rs 87.5 lakh during negotiations for ensuring ranks in the merit, the police said.

Mr. Shah allegedly held clandestine meetings with anxious parents at the upscale ITC Grand Central hotel in Mumbai’s Parel locality.

During these meetings, he allegedly assured clients that their children’s scores could be inflated and that the revised marks would be disclosed a full six hours before the official announcement of results.

The CBI investigation showed that Mr. Shah was in touch with Mr. Patel, who operates an admission consultancy firm in Navi Mumbai, and another individual who runs a similar consultancy in Pune.

“A forensic examination of the mobile phones of the arrested individuals uncovered incriminating chats containing details of prospective candidates, their roll numbers, admit cards, OMR sheets, and evidence of financial transactions through Hawala networks,” a CBI Spokesperson said in a statement, quotes PTI

Both were presented before a special court earlier this week which sent them to CBI custody till June 16.

“The investigation has not found any involvement of government officials or NTA personnel with the accused persons in the case. The accused misled parents by falsely claiming connections with NTA officials,” the spokesperson added.

Authorities believe the accused cynically misled parents by fabricating connections with examination authorities to give credence to their elaborate scheme.

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NEET PG 2025: MP Doctors urge Health Minister, NMC to extend Internship deadline

Thousands of postgraduate aspirants in Madhya Pradesh may become ineligible to appear in the National Eligibility-Entrance Test Postgraduate (NEET-PG) 2025 examination due to the delay in publication of their results.

While the internship completion deadline for NEET PG 2025 is 31 July, 2025, due to administrative delays, these students will not be able to complete their 12-month compulsory internship within this time limit.

For more information, click on the link below:

NEET PG 2025: Extend Internship Deadline for MP students- Doctors urge Health Minister, NMC

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Assam CM lays foundation stone for Rs 206 crore City Hospital in Dibrugarh

Dibrugarh: In a major step towards strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday laid the foundation stone for a state-of-the-art 200-bedded City Hospital at Jail Road in Dibrugarh.

The new facility will serve as an extension of the Assam Medical College and Hospital (AMCH), further enhancing healthcare services in the region.

Also Read: Assam CM inaugurates 100-bedded specialised women and child care hospital

According to the Hub News, the state-of-the-art B+G+6 storied facility is being developed under the World Bank-funded Assam State Secondary Healthcare Initiative for Service Delivery Transformation (ASSIST) Project, with a total financial outlay of ₹206 crore.

The planned structure will be spread across 10 bighas of land, covering a built-up area of 29,087 square metres. Of the 200 beds, 120 will be dedicated to the Maternity Department, while the rest will cater to patients in departments such as Medicine, Surgery, Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, and other specialities.

“This hospital will be a milestone in Assam’s journey towards providing world-class medical facilities. This hospital will complement the existing AMCH infrastructure and create a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem for the people. This project represents our vision of accessible, quality healthcare for all. The strategic location of the hospital will make advanced medical services easily accessible to people from across Dibrugarh district and neighboring areas,” Sarma said, while addressing a public rally at the old high school playground, after laying the foundation stone, reports TOI.

The foundation stone laying ceremony witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Assam ministers Jogen Mohan, Prasanta Phukan, and  Bimal Borah, along with local MLAs and senior government officials.

Also Read: GMCH set to become one of India’s largest hospitals, says Assam CM

As part of the Assam State Secondary Healthcare Initiative for Service Delivery Transformation (ASSIST), construction work is currently in progress. This expansive programme is focused on overhauling the state’s healthcare system, with the twin objectives of enhancing access to quality medical services for every citizen and establishing Assam as a prominent hub for healthcare in the region.

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Waist-to-height ratio outperforms BMI in detecting risk of fatty liver disease and liver cirrhosis: Study

Excess fat mass estimated by waist circumference-to-height ratio predicts the risk of liver damage better than body mass index (BMI) estimated obesity, a new study shows. Waist-to-height ratio is a cheap and universally accessible tool to detect the risk of fatty liver disease both in the young and adult population. The study was conducted at the University of Eastern Finland, and the results were published in the Journal of the Endocrine Society.

In the present study, 6,464 children, adolescents and adults between 12 and 80 years of age were drawn from the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2021 and 2023. Non-invasive liver scans were conducted in all participants by transient elastography, based on which their risk of liver steatosis or fibrosis was classified. The prevalence of significant or advanced liver fibrosis was 7.1%, while 4.9% had liver cirrhosis. More than 1 in 4 (26.1%) participants had suspected liver steatosis, while less than 1% had severe liver steatosis.

Previous studies in adults have shown that BMI-diagnosed obesity is a risk factor for liver steatosis. However, recent clinical consensus statements have recommended that obesity should not be diagnosed with BMI alone but confirmed with another measure such as waist-to-height ratio.

In a recent study, waist-to-height ratio was discovered as a highly sensitive and specific predictor of dual-energy Xray absorptiometry-measured total body fat mass and abdominal fat mass in the pediatric and young adult population. Waist-to-height ratio cutpoints for normal, high and excess fat mass were established and have since been validated to detect the risk of type 2 diabetes and bone fracture. The present study examined if these cutpoints can predict liver steatosis and fibrosis in a multiracial population.

The prevalence of waist-to-height-ratio-estimated normal fat mass (0.40 – <0.50), high fat mass (0.5 – <0.53) and excess fat mass indicating obesity (≥0.53) was 20.3%, 13.6% and 64.5%, respectively. After full adjustments for covariates, normal fat mass had a 48% protective effect against liver steatosis and a 52% protective effect against liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. High fat mass predicted 63% higher odds of liver steatosis and 31% higher odds of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Excess fat mass predicted four-fold higher odds of liver steatosis and 61% higher odds of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.

Waist-to-height-ratio-estimated high fat mass and excess fat mass separately predicted higher odds of liver steatosis nearly two-fold and six-fold, respectively, better than BMI-overweight and BMI-obesity. The study accounted for age, sex, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, educational status, smoking status, race, sedentary time, moderate physical activity, fasting insulin, glucose, total cholesterol and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein.

“Remarkably, the findings were consistent regardless of sex and age. In addition, the findings were similar across the studied White, Black, Mexican-American and Hispanic populations. The simple and universally accessible waist-to-height measurement is useful in clinical and public health practice for liver disease screening, prevention, diagnosis and management globally,” says Andrew Agbaje, physician and associate professor (docent) of Clinical Epidemiology and Child Health at the University of Eastern Finland.

Reference:

Andrew O Agbaje, Novel Pediatric Waist-to-height Ratio Fat Mass Cutoff Predicts Liver Steatosis and Fibrosis Better than Body Mass Index: The NHANES, Journal of the Endocrine Society, Volume 9, Issue 7, July 2025, bvaf079, https://doi.org/10.1210/jendso/bvaf079

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