The Relationship Between Body Mass Index (BMI) and Liver Fibrosis Progression in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: A Field Study Based on Clinical Data

Abstract

Chronic hepatitis B is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Among the various risk factors influencing disease progression, obesity—particularly the body mass index (BMI)—has been recognized as an independent predictor of liver fibrosis severity. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BMI and liver fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis B. This cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 196 patients attending liver clinics in southern Iran between 2022 and 2023. Clinical data including demographic characteristics, liver function tests, fibrosis score (based on FibroScan), and BMI were extracted from electronic health records. Statistical analyses included ANOVA, multivariate logistic regression, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results showed a significant positive correlation between increased BMI and higher stages of liver fibrosis (P<0.001). Patients with BMI above 30 were more likely to be in advanced stages of fibrosis. Even in patients with normal weight, slight increases in BMI were associated with elevated fibrosis risk. These findings highlight the importance of weight management and dietary interventions in patients with chronic hepatitis B to prevent further liver damage. It is recommended that metabolic indicators, particularly BMI, be routinely screened and monitored as part of clinical interventions for hepatitis B patients.