The Lifestyle Characteristics in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the PERSIAN Guilan Cohort Study

BACKGROUND: Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. Since the effect and safety of pharmacotherapy for NAFLD are unknown, the proper management of lifestyle is crucial. AIM: The present study was conducted to determine the status of food, Physical Activity (PA), and sleep in patients with and without NAFLD. METHODS: In this analytical- cross-sectional study, 630 clients with 36-60 years old who referred to the PERSIAN Guilan cohort study were included through simple non-random sampling. The developed questionnaire and lifestyle characteristics, including the status of nutrition, physical activity, and sleep, were completed for all samples. BMI was also calculated by determining weight and height, and fatty liver was confirmed based on abdominal ultrasound. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAFLD in this study was by 43.7% (275 / 630). Smoking, alcohol consumption, BMI, and weight loss over the past six months, regular exercise and exercise intensity, sedentary living, speed of eating, consuming fatty food, red meat, sweets beverages, and use of saturated fatty acid (SFA), and consuming fruits and vegetables were associated with presence of NAFLD (all p < 0.05). However, no significant relationship was observed between the parameters of sleep duration, the interval between dinner and night sleep, consuming breakfast and snack during the day and NAFLD (All p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The onset and progression of NAFLD are associated with lifestyle. Therefore, dietary therapy solutions, physical activity, and sleep and rest situations should be paid attention for people with or at risk of NAFLD.