RECENT study highlights the importance of physical activity from childhood in preventing liver disease in young adulthood. The study has shown that maintaining an active lifestyle from childhood can significantly reduce the risk of severe liver steatosis and cirrhosis by young adulthood. The study analysed data from 2,684 children aged 11 years over a period of 13 years, examining how different levels of physical activity and sedentary time impacted their liver health.
The study focused on the associations between cumulative sedentary time (ST), light physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) from ages 11 to 24 with liver health indicators and enzyme levels. The children, with a mean age of 11.75 years at the start, were monitored using accelerometer-measured activity levels, and their liver health was assessed at ages 17 and 24.
Results showed a cumulative increase in ST that was linked to higher odds of developing liver cirrhosis and severe liver steatosis at age 24. With each additional minute per day of ST from ages 11 to 24 increased the risk of cirrhosis (odds ratio 1.004) and severe steatosis (odds ratio 1.001). Increased LPA was associated with lower odds of liver cirrhosis and severe liver steatosis. With each additional minute per day of LPA reduced the risk of cirrhosis (odds ratio 0.990) and severe steatosis (odds ratio 0.999). While MVPA significantly lowered the risk of severe liver steatosis (odds ratio 0.996), it did not show a significant effect on the risk of cirrhosis.
The study also observed that increased ST was directly associated with increased levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST and GGT) from the ages of 17 to 24, indicating liver damage. In contrast both LPA and MVPA were linked to lower enzyme levels, suggesting better liver health.
These results highlight the importance of encouraging physical activity from a young age in order to prevent serious liver conditions like severe liver steatosis and cirrhosis in later life. As the research underscores the long-term health benefits of an active lifestyle and the potential for early intervention to promote better liver health. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise and recommend regular activity to their young patients in order to improve their long-term health outcomes.
Reference:
Agbaje, A.O. Accelerometer-based sedentary time and physical activity with MASLD and liver cirrhosis in 2684 British adolescents. NPJ Gut Liver.2024;1.
