Protective Effect of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Resistance Training on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Nationwide Cross-Sectional Study.

Jae Ho Park,Nam-Kyoo Lim,Hyun-Young Park

doi:10.3390/ijerph19042350

Abstract

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease. The present study aimed to investigate the association of NAFLD with leisure-time physical activity (PA) levels and resistance training (RT). Methods: We used data from large nationwide cohorts in Korea. NAFLD was defined based on the Framingham steatosis index. Participants were categorized into four groups based on RT frequency and adherence to PA guidelines (≥150 min/week of moderate-intensity PA): Low-PA, Low-PA+RT, High-PA, and High-PA+RT. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of NAFLD according to leisure-time PA levels and regularity of RT. Results: When compared with Low-PA, High-PA decreased the risk of NAFLD by 17%, and High-PA+RT further decreased the risk by 30%. However, the additional reduction in risk associated with the addition of RT was observed in men (19%), but not in women. In the High-PA group, men had a significantly higher training frequency and period for RT than women. Conclusions: Following the PA guideline may confer protective effects against NAFLD, while adding RT to High-PA can further decrease the risk of NAFLD. Sex-based differences in NAFLD risk in the High-PA+RT group may be due to the differences in the frequency and period of RT.

Highlights

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the presence of abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver cells in the absence of significant alcohol consumption
NAFLD prevalence in Korea has continuously increased over the past decade given increases in obesity/abdominal obesity, the adoption of sedentary lifestyles, and high fat intake [5], with meta-analytic estimates indicating a rate of 31% [6]
The prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM) were relatively high in the High-physical activity (PA) group, as were rates of high SBP, DBP, and FBG

Summary

Introduction

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by the presence of abnormal lipid accumulation in the liver cells in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. The term is used to describe a wide range of fatty liver conditions, ranging from simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to significant liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma [1]. NAFLD prevalence in Korea has continuously increased over the past decade given increases in obesity/abdominal obesity, the adoption of sedentary lifestyles, and high fat intake [5], with meta-analytic estimates indicating a rate of 31% [6]. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease. Multiple logistic regression models were used to assess the risk of NAFLD according to leisure-time PA levels and regularity of RT. Results: When compared with Low-PA, High-PA decreased the risk of NAFLD by 17%, and

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