Association between fast eating speed and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a multicenter cross-sectional study and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: With the fast pace of modern life, people have less time for meals, but few studies have examined the association between the habit of fast eating and metabolic diseases. OBJECTIVE: Combining the results of the current study and prior ones, the aim was to investigate the relationship between fast eating and risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). METHODS: Sub-analysis of a multicenter cross-sectional study of 1965 Chinese participants evaluated the association between fast eating (meal time <5 minutes) and MASLD across three self-reported frequency categories (≤1 time/month, ≤1 time/week, ≥2 times/week). A systematic literature search (to November 2023) and meta-analysis were also conducted. RESULTS: MASLD prevalence was 59.3%, 50.5%, and 46.2% in fast eating ≥2 times/week, ≤1 time/week, and ≤1 time/month groups, respectively (P for trend <0.001). Fast eating frequency was independently associated with MASLD after adjusting for demographics, lifestyle, BMI, and metabolic parameters (OR 1.29; 95% CI 1.09–1.53). Frequent fast eaters (≥2 times/week) had 81% higher risk of MASLD (P=0.011). Meta-analysis of five eligible studies showed frequent fast eating associated with increased MASLD risk (pooled OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.07–1.39). CONCLUSIONS: Frequent fast eating is associated with increased risk of MASLD.