Insight into the lifestyle of young people with chronic liver disease.

Abstract

The impact of chronic liver disease (CLD) in young people on lifestyle is poorly explored. One hundred four young people (20.51 years, male 44%), including 37% with autoimmune liver disease and 19% post-liver transplantation, completed an anonymous health questionnaire Thirty-nine per cent were considered overweight/obese. Female body mass index (BMI) was higher than male BMI (26.5 vs. 23.4, p = 0.018), and those taking steroids (n = 38) were more likely to be overweight/obese (66% vs. 31%, p = 0.03). Half of the cohort reported 'never' to drink alcohol and 19% had taken recreational drugs with 5% mentioning regular use of alcohol and recreational drugs each. Menstrual dysregulation was common including oligomenorrhoea (31%) and irregular periods (25%). The prevalence of overweight/obese status in young people with CLD is worrying, with females and those on steroid treatment most affected. Whereas alcohol consumption is less common compared to peers, the use of recreational drugs in this population warrants further attention.