This study aimed to compare obesity status between older and non-older adults using a health examination database and to examine the association between age groups and the prevalence of fatty liver disease. A cross-sectional study was conducted using health examination data from a regional teaching hospital in Kaohsiung. Older adults were defined as individuals aged ≥65 years. Variables extracted from the database included sex, age, BMI, and presence of fatty liver disease. Eligible participants were community residents aged 20 years and above with a BMI ≥24.A total of 1709 individuals were included between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2025. Among them, 720 were men(42.1%) and 989 were women(57.9%). The older adult group consisted of 855 individuals, and the non-older group consisted of 854 individuals. Fatty liver disease was present in 622 participants(38.7%).Among participants with fatty liver disease, 283(42.7%) were older adults and 379(57.3%) were non-older adults. The prevalence of fatty liver disease was significantly higher in the non-older group(p<0.001). Analysis further showed that non-older participants had significantly higher BMI levels than older adults(p<0.001). Cooking habits differed between groups: older adults more frequently consumed steamed or boiled foods(p<0.001), whereas over 80% of non-older individuals regularly consumed fried or pan-fried foods(p<0.001).Although obesity was the main target of analysis, younger obese individuals had a significantly higher prevalence of fatty liver disease compared with older obese individuals. These findings highlight the importance of targeted nutrition education and behavioral interventions, especially for younger adults who frequently consume fried foods, to prevent the development of fatty liver disease.

Authors:
Chen-Shan Lien, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Jia-Yu Wei, Center for Teaching and Research, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Shen-Nien Wang, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan
Chun-Wen Chang, Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taiwan

About the Presenter(s)
Wei Jia-Yu is a researcher at the Teaching and Research Center of Cishan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Her expertise includes health education, public health, dementia care, and epidemiology.

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