ECEESPE2025 ePoster Presentations Metabolism, Nutrition and Obesity (164 abstracts)
1National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Department of Nutritional Diseases D, Tunis, Tunisia; 2Rabta Hospital, Gastroenterology Service B, Tunis, Tunisia; 3National Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology, Department of Nutritional Diseases C, Tunis, Tunisia
JOINT2213
Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, closely linked to obesity and diabetes. Due to its silent nature, it remains underdiagnosed. The aim of our study was to screen for NAFLD in a population of obese women and identify the factors associated with its severity.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 40 obese female patients. Physical activity level was evaluated using the Ricci and Gagnon questionnaire. NAFLD screening was performed using Fibroscan. Advanced steatosis was defined as a stage of S2 or higher, and advanced fibrosis was defined as a stage of F2 or higher.
Results: Mean age was 43.56 ± 12.75 years. The majority of patients were inactive (65%). The mean duration of obesity was 19.95±12.93 years. The mean BMI was 40.36±7.17 kg/m2, with morbid obesity observed in 45% of the patients. Abdominal obesity was present in all patients, with a mean waist circumference of 119.80 ± 14.61 cm. Steatosis was found in 75% of the patients: 17.9% at stage S1, 17.9% at stage S2, and 38.5% at stage S3. As for fibrosis, it was present in 90% of the patients: F1 in 52.5%, F2 in 15%, F3 in 5%, and F4 in 17.5%. Patients with advanced steatosis were mostly inactive (83% vs 41%; P = 0.009). A stage S2 or higher was associated with the duration of obesity (24.05±13.87 years vs 14.31±9.19 years; P = 0.02) as well as the presence of metabolic syndrome (61% vs 24%; P = 0.019). Anthropometric data revealed that severe steatosis was associated with higher BMI (43.31±7.43 kg/m2 vs 37.00±5.00 kg/m2; P = 0.004), increased waist circumference (125.09±14.70 cm vs 112.65±11.34 cm; P = 0.006) and waist-to-height ratio (0.79±0.11 vs 0.69±0.08; P = 0.006), higher fat mass (54.63±12.30 kg vs 43.48±8.66 kg; P = 0.003) and a higher visceral fat percentage (30% vs 0%; P = 0.03). Furthermore, advanced steatosis was associated with higher ALT levels (26.26 ± 8.64 IU/lvs 18.00 ± 4.58 IU/L; P = 0.001), a higher GGT levels (35% vs 6%; P = 0.038) and a lower platelet count (283.62 ± 74.45 x1000/mm3 vs 342.56 ± 75.84 x1000/mm3; P = 0.024).
Conclusion: Our study emphasizes the need for targeted screening and interventions to manage NAFLD focusing on risk factor monitoring and an active lifestyle.