Associations of sociodemographic factors, healthy habits, and weight stigma with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease risk in obese workers: Findings from a large occupational cohort.

Abstract

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a growing global health concern, particularly among individuals with obesity. While metabolic and behavioral risk factors have been well described, the role of psychosocial determinants, such as weight stigma, remains underexplored.

Objectives: To assess the association between sociodemographic variables, healthy lifestyle behaviors, and internalized weight stigma with MASLD risk in a large cohort of obese workers across Spain.

Patients and methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 26,816 obese employees who underwent occupational health screenings between January 2021 and December 2024. MASLD risk was assessed using three validated indices: the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Hepatic Steatosis Index (HSI), and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP). Sociodemographic characteristics, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, smoking status, and weight stigma (assessed by the Weight Bias Internalization Scale) were evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate associations.

Results: Weight stigma was significantly associated with higher risk of MASLD across all three indices, independent of age, sex, social class, and health behaviors. Participants with internalized weight stigma were 1.6-2.3times more likely to present with high-risk scores. Sociodemographic disparities and unhealthy lifestyle factors also contributed to elevated MASLD risk.

Conclusions: Beyond metabolic and behavioral determinants, internalized weight stigma emerges as a strong independent factor associated with MASLD risk. These findings underscore the importance of incorporating psychosocial components into liver disease prevention strategies in occupational settings.