OP-2 PREVALENCE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH PHYSICAL ACTIVITY LEVELS AMONG ADULTS IN CHILE

Introduction and Objectives

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosis requires a liver biopsy, which is inapplicable to large populations. Alternatively, NAFLD can be detected indirectly by non-invasive methods such as Fatty Liver Index (FLI) and Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP). Thus, the prevalence of NAFLD and its association with lifestyle habits (e.g., physical activity) can be studied within populations. This study aimed to (i) estimate the prevalence of NAFLD by FLI and LAP in the adult Chilean population and (ii) determine the association between the presence of NAFLD and physical activity levels.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed the National Health Survey of Chile 2016-2017. Individuals meeting these criteria were included: 21-75 years old; absence of hepatitis B/C, HIV, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, syphilis, chancre, and gonorrhea; alcohol consumption <20 g/day for women, or <30 g/day for men. NAFLD was detected by FLI (considers circulating triglycerides, circulating gamma-glutamyl-transferase, body mass index, and waist circumference) and LAP (considers circulating triglycerides, and waist circumference). The Global Physical Activity Questionnaire was used to estimate physical activity levels. Logistic regression was used to determine the association between NAFLD presence and physical activity, adjusted by age, sex, body mass index, and education.

Results

We included 2,774 participants, representative of 10,599,094 [9,831,644–11,366,544] adults. NAFLD prevalence [95%CI] was 39.4% [36.2–42.8] by FLI, and 27.2% [24.2–30.4] by LAP. Prevalence progressively increased with higher body mass indexes. Compared to participants in the 1st-quartile of physical activity, those in the 3rd-quartile or 4th-quartile had lower odds of having NAFLD by FLI or LAP, respectively.

Conclusions

The prevalence of NAFLD in Chile surpasses global estimates. The excess body weight among adults in Chile may explain this phenomenon. Notably, physical activity seems relevant to prevent NAFLD, independently of excess body weight. Focused public health interventions are urgently required in Chile.

Funding

FONDECYT 1191183 to F.B. and 11180361 to R.F.-V.

Figure. [A, B] Prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) determined by [A] the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) or [B] the Lipid Accumulation Product (LAP). Categories of nutritional status were defined according to the body mass index as: <18.5 kg/m² underweight, 18.5-24.9 kg/m² normal weight, 25.0-29.9 kg/m² overweight, 30.0-39.9 kg/m² obesity, and >39.9 kg/m² morbid obesity. [C, D] Association between physical activity levels and the presence of NAFLD by [C] FLI, or [D] LAP. OR [95% CI], odds ratio [95% confidence intervals].