Arch G Mainous1,2, Benjamin J Rooks3, James F Medley3, Samuel B Dickmann3. 1. Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States. arch.mainous@ufl.edu. 2. Department of Health Services Research Management, and Policy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States. arch.mainous@ufl.edu. 3. Department of Community Health and Family Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Adults with a healthy Body Mass Index but elevated body fat are at risk for a variety of undetected metabolic problems. It is unclear whether non-alcoholic fatty liver is associated with this body type. PARTICIPANTS/ METHODS: Associations between elevated body fat and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adults with a healthy Body Mass Index (18.5-24.9) were assessed. A cohort of healthy BMI, non-pregnant, adults without history of liver disease or recent heavy drinking was constructed from the NHANES 2017-2018 survey. Body fat percentages were determined from whole-body DXA scans. Liver ultrasound transient elastography indicated the presence of hepatic steatosis. RESULTS: A significantly larger proportion of adults with an elevated body fat % (46.2%) than those with a healthy body fat % (25.1%) (p = 0.002) had undiagnosed NAFLD. In a logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and exercise, hepatic steatosis was associated with an elevated body fat percentage within the cohort of adults with a healthy BMI (OR 3.51; 95% CI 2.11-5.86). CONCLUSION: The usefulness of alternative body composition measures should be considered when screening for NAFLD.
BACKGROUND: Adults with a healthy Body Mass Index but elevated body fat are at risk for a variety of undetected metabolic problems. It is unclear whether non-alcoholic fatty liver is associated with this body type. PARTICIPANTS/ METHODS: Associations between elevated body fat and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) among adults with a healthy Body Mass Index (18.5-24.9) were assessed. A cohort of healthy BMI, non-pregnant, adults without history of liver disease or recent heavy drinking was constructed from the NHANES 2017-2018 survey. Body fat percentages were determined from whole-body DXA scans. Liver ultrasound transient elastography indicated the presence of hepatic steatosis. RESULTS: A significantly larger proportion of adults with an elevated body fat % (46.2%) than those with a healthy body fat % (25.1%) (p = 0.002) had undiagnosed NAFLD. In a logistic regression adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and exercise, hepatic steatosis was associated with an elevated body fat percentage within the cohort of adults with a healthy BMI (OR 3.51; 95% CI 2.11-5.86). CONCLUSION: The usefulness of alternative body composition measures should be considered when screening for NAFLD.
Authors: Christina C Wee; Mary Beth Hamel; Annong Huang; Roger B Davis; Murray A Mittleman; Ellen P McCarthy Journal: Diabetes Care Date: 2008-05-28 Impact factor: 19.112