Role of leisure-time physical activity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a population-based study.
Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.)
Zelber-Sagi S, Nitzan-Kaluski D, Goldsmith R, Webb M, Zvibel I, Goldiner I, Blendis L, Halpern Z, Oren R
2008 Hepatology Volume 48 Issue 6
PubMed 18972405 DOI 10.1002/hep.22525
UNLABELLED
Physical activity (PA) is commonly recommended for nonalchoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. However, there is limited evidence on the independent role of PA in NAFLD. The aim of this study was to examine the association between PA and NAFLD. We conducted a cross-sectional study of a subsample (n = 375) of the Israeli National Health and Nutrition Survey. Exclusion criteria were any known etiology for liver disease. Participants underwent an abdominal ultrasound examination; biochemical tests, including leptin, adiponectin, and resistin; and the noninvasive biomarker SteatoTest and anthropometric evaluations. A semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire and a detailed PA questionnaire were administered. Three hundred forty-nine patients (52.7% men, 30.9% primary NAFLD) were included. The NAFLD group engaged in less aerobic, resistance, or other kinds of PA (P
CONCLUSION
Habitual leisure-time PA, especially anaerobic, may play a protective role in NAFLD. This association appears to be mediated by a reduced rate of abdominal obesity.
Citation Reference: