Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming one of the most common chronic liver diseases and its prevalence in young adults is a growing health concern. It has been observed that the liver fat content (LFC) of an overweight/obese group was approximately three times higher in contrast to control. The current study evaluated the interrelationship between LFC and weight status in young adults with the help of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) technique.

The study enrolled 78 healthy young adults, between 19-30 years of age. These individuals were then randomized into a control of 39 subjects and an overweight/obese group (OW/OB group), consisting of 39 subjects. LFC was determined by blood biochemical quantity and 1H MRS.

The outcome showed that LFC was almost three times higher in OW/OB group in contrast to the control group. The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the OW/OB group was found to 48.7. When assessed on the parameters of biochemistry, OW/OB group had statistically higher low-density lipoproteins and triglyceride, lower high-density lipoproteins, and increased glycosylated hemoglobin and fasting glucose. Moreover, body mass index was a remarkable independent predictor for LFC, after adjusting for age and sex.

Thus, findings suggesting high prevalence of LFC in the OW/OB group concludes proposed that weight gain and obesity are sensitive indicators of high fat content in liver. Moreover, obesity is a risk factor for higher NAFLD in overweight and obese young adults. Besides, the authors of the study established the significance of body mass index as a tool for risk prevention and management of NAFLD and metabolic syndromes.

Source: Pasanta D, Tungjai M, Chancharunee S, Sajomsang W, Kothan S. Body mass index and its effects on liver fat content in overweight and obese young adults by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy technique. World J Hepatol. 2018;10(12):924-933.