Fast food consumption and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health issue, with fast food consumption hypothesized as a risk factor. This meta-analysis aimed to explore the relationship between fast food intake and NAFLD.<h4>Methods</h4>This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase from inception to February 28, 2025. A total of nine eligible observational studies involving 169,771 participants were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models.<h4>Results</h4>A higher consumption of fast food was significantly associated with a 55% increased risk of NAFLD (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.51-1.59, <i>p</i> < 0.001, I² = 15.6%). Moreover, fast food intake was linked to a 37% higher risk of obesity (OR = 1.37, 95% CI: 1.27-1.49, <i>p</i> < 0.001, I² = 54.2%), a key metabolic factor in NAFLD pathogenesis. Sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of these associations, with no significant evidence of publication bias.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Fast food consumption is positively associated with NAFLD and obesity. Heterogeneity highlights the need for standardized methods in future large-scale studies to validate these findings and inform preventive strategies.