ASSESSMENT OF DIETARY HABITS, PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, LIFESTYLE, AND OTHER RISK FACTORS OF NONALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE AMONG ARAB ADULTS LIVING IN QATAR

Abstract

Background: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is defined as an abnormal accumulation of triglycerides in the liver. It is the most common chronic liver disease globally and is linked to features of the metabolic syndrome including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), hypertension, and hyperlipidemia. MASLD outcomes are largely affected by dietary habits, lifestyle behaviors, physical activity, or a combination of any. Aim: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to evaluate dietary diversity and habits, physical activity levels, lifestyle behaviors, and evaluate potential associations with MASLD indicators in Arab adults residing in Qatar. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out to meet the study's main objective. A total of 94 participants were included. Demographics, health, lifestyle, and dietary habits were assessed through the Participant's Personal and Dietary Habits Information Questionnaire. Dietary diversity was estimated using the Food Groups Consumption (FGC) score. Physical activity and sleep were assessed through the Seven-Day Physical Activity Recall (7-day PAR) form. Descriptive statistics and linear regression were performed to analyze data and assess any associations between indicators of MASLD (BMI, lipid profile, liver enzymes, and glucose levels) and dietary habits. Results: The findings of the study showed an association between BMI and snacking (Ptrend= 0.049). There was an association between first meal timing and total cholesterol (Ptrend= 0.045), low-density lipoprotein (Ptrend= 0.047) and fasting blood sugar (Ptrend= 0.026). We also found an inverse association between last meal timing and high-density lipoproteins (Ptrend= 0.007). Additionally, an association was detected between triglycerides and both excluded meals (Ptrend= 0.010) and eating out (Ptrend=0.002). All participants were found to have adequate dietary diversity (FGC score of 101.9), with no differences between food group intakes except for males consuming more fruit than females (P= 0.042). Physical activity was also assessed for the last seven days, and female participants were found to have a significantly higher level of hours of moderate-intensity exercise during the weekdays (P= 0.014) and weekends (P= 0.026), and significantly more total MET-minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity than males (P= 0.011). Conclusion: Dietary habits such as snacking, meal skipping, meal timings, and eating out are associated with MASLD anthropometric and biochemical indicators. This research provided suggested insights on dietary habits that may be associated with MASLD and sets the bar for larger studies with more robust study designs to be done in Qatar.