Impact of lifestyle factors on lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To investigate the lifestyle characteristics of lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients and their association with the severity of ultrasound grading. Methods A total of 336 patients with lean NAFLD who attended the outpatient and inpatient departments of the gastroenterology department at Shanghai Putuo District Central Hospital and Shanghai Baiyu Community Health Service Center from December 2019 to December 2021 were selected for a questionnaire survey. Data on general conditions, exercise habits, dietary habits, and other lifestyle factors were collected. Patients were categorized into three groups- mild, moderate, and severe-based on ultrasound results. Descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and ordered logistic regression were utilized to analyze the data. Results Lean NAFLD patients were predominantly female, with ages primarily ranging from 44 to 59 years. Statistically significant differences were observed among patients with varying degrees of lean NAFLD concerning exercise habits, exercise duration, and physical activity levels(χ²=38.381; χ²=142.618; χ²=228.488; P<0.001). Differences in dietary habits were also significant, with preferences for raw and cold foods,fruits and vegetables, and sugary drinks among patients with different degress of leanness(χ²=9.007; χ²=7.631; χ²=6.207; P<0.05). Ordered logistic regression analysis revealed that exercising 1-2 days per week (OR=0.382, P<0.01) and maintaining an ideal physical activity level (OR=0.268, P<0.01) were protective factors against the progression of ultrasound grading severity in lean NAFLD patients. Conversely, a preference for meat (OR=2.677, P<0.001) and sugary beverages (OR=1.330, P<0.05) were identified as independent risk factors for the progression of ultrasound grading severity in these patients. Conclusion Regular and moderate exercise is a protective factor against the progression of lean NAFLD while consumption of meat and sugary drinks are independent risk factors for disease progression in lean NAFLD patients.

Key words: Lean NADLD, Lifestyle, Degree of ultrasound grading

YUAN Yi-fu, DU Sheng-nan, HE Shi-jia, Cao Qin, HUA Hong-mei, JIANG Yuan-ye. Impact of lifestyle factors on lean non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients[J]. Chinese Hepatolgy, 2024, 29(8): 980-984.

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