Longer sitting times and bulk amounts of rice intake are associated with the increased risks of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver diseases (MAFLD): A case-control study

Background and aims

One-third of the country suffers from metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) due to unhealthy, improper dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. This study aimed to explore the specific diet and lifestyle factors responsible for MAFLD.

Methods

This case-control study was conducted among the source population (n=200 diagnosed with MAFLD criteria; n=100 healthy controls). Quantitative approaches, such as interviews, were applied to measure dietary practices and physical activity levels.

Results

Most (89.5%) of the MAFLD patients were obese, used to sedentary lifestyles (56.0%), and took outside foods (58.5%) than their counterparts (P<0.001). Moreover, nutrient intake analysis/day depicted that MAFLD patients consumed significantly higher amounts of total energy (2288.8 vs. 1570.8 kcal/day), calories from rice (1003.6 vs.795.2 Kcal/day), carbs (335.2 vs. 198.8 g/day), protein (97.9 vs. 85.9 g/day), fat (61.8 vs. 48.0 g/day) than controls. Nevertheless, 86.5% of MAFLD patients consumed a surplus of +268.6 kcal/day, indicating energy was not burnt through physical activities, while 89.0% of controls have negative energy balance (-360.4 kcal/day). Multivariable analyses revealed that >300 minutes sitting times (aOR=8.6), >300 g/day carbohydrate consumption (aOR=6.9), >950 kcal/day from rice (aOR=2.2), >50 g/day fat (aOR=2.9), ≤2000 Kcal/day energy-expenditure (aOR=2.9), BMI >25 kg/m² (Adjusted odds ratio=aOR=16.1), eating outside (aOR=7.4), being housewives (aOR=4.89), service-holders (aOR=4.12), >31 age group (aOR=2.9), are significant risk factors for MAFLD.

Conclusion

Longer sitting times, outside eating habits, more energy from carbohydrates, especially rice, and a daily positive energy balance lead to obesity and, consequently, an increased risk of MAFLD.