Association of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Severity With General and Central Obesity, and Physical Activity in Adults

Association of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Severity With General and Central Obesity, and Physical Activity in AdultsA Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide.Many risk factors are associated with NAFLD, such as a sedentary lifestyle and obesity.This study aimed to investigate the association between disease severity, obesity, and physical activity levels in adults with NAFLD.A total of 280 adults with NAFLD were selected by a gastroenterologist using convenience sampling.NAFLD severity was assessed by ultrasound, and participants' physical activity was evaluated using the short version of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.Regarding NAFLD grade, 24.6% were grade 1, 63.2% were grade 2, and 12.2% were grade 3. The mean body mass index and waist circumference of the study participants were 29.19±4.14kg/m 2 and 100.99±9.24cm, respectively.A significant positive relationship was observed between the degree of general obesity and NAFLD severity.As obesity increased, NAFLD severity also increased (P=0.045).A significant inverse relationship was observed between the level of physical activity and NAFLD grade (P=0.002).Considering the association between NAFLD grade, obesity, and physical activity, it is recommended that health and educational programs be developed to promote a healthy lifestyle and physical activity to reduce the prevalence of obesity and NAFLD.