Prevalence and Impact of Obesity on Liver Health in the Adult Population in Cameroon: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Obesity is a route cause of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its prevalence rate grows year by year in Africa and in Cameroon in particular. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence and impact of obesity on liver health in the adult Cameroonian population. Methods: Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct and local data bases were used to search for articles published in English or French between 2018 and 2025. Data collection as well as statistical analysis were performed using Jamovi version 2.6.26. Pooled seroprevalence was calculated using the DerSimonian-Laird random effects model with raw proportions. Heterogeneity between studies was evaluated with the Q-test for heterogeneity and the I2 statistic. Results: A total of 19 studies including 7917 participants were used for the meta-analysis. Females were by far more represented than males. The pooled prevalence of obesity among adults was 58%. Based on body mass index and waist circumference the prevalence was 60% and 33% respectively. The prevalence of the MetS and NAFLD among obese adults was 29% and 43% respectively. These results highlight the high prevalence of obesity in adult Cameroonians and high prevalence rates for the MetS and NAFLD in obese adults. Conclusion: Obesity plays an important role in destabilising liver health in obese Cameroonian adults by causing metabolic anomalies like the MetS and NAFLD. This puts many obese adult Cameroonians at risk of liver disease.