The Relationship between Health-Related Fitness and Quality of Life in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Background: It is well known that patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) suffer from impaired quality of life (QoL) and decreased health-related fitness. Studies on the relationship between them have been scarce. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed in 104 NAFLD patients. Liver fat content and fibrosis were assessed using transient elastography. Health-related fitness was measured by fitness test. VO2max was determined by YMCA submaximal cycle ergometer test. Body composition was tested by bioimpedance analysis. QoL was evaluated using the 36-item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). Results: Most patients had severe liver steatosis without significant fibrosis. Most of them exhibited poor health-related fitness. Multiple linear regression analyses demonstrated that body compositions (waist circumference, hip circumference, percent body fat, percent skeletal muscle, visceral fat area) dependently contributed to QoL (health transition, role limitation due to physical problem, general health, physical functioning and vitality). VO2max was positively related with physical functioning. Conclusion: For NAFLD patients, decreased health-related fitness was associated with impaired QoL both in the physical and mental dimension. Our results indicate that visceral fat together with muscle mass and VO2max could serve as individual exercise intervention targets to improve QoL.

Factors influencing adherence to lifestyle prescriptions among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A qualitative study using the health action process approach framework

“…When faced with this situation, taking the first step toward exercising may be helpful, such as putting on sneakers and going outdoors. A few patients mentioned struggling with poor physical fitness and ability; this reason was supported by some studies showing that patients with NAFLD have a lower physical function and performance status (26). Additionally, patients with NAFLD experience perceived exertion more frequently when exercising at similar intensities to those with chronic hepatitis C (27).…”

Lifestyle and Quality of Life of Women Diagnosed with Hypothyroidism in the Context of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver

“…Wang et al also pointed out the association between NAFLD and the deteriorating health-related quality of life in the context of reduced physical mobility, underscoring the complexity of the problems faced by those with the condition [24]. Their study on quality of life suggested that interventions were necessary to reduce the VFA and increase muscle mass [24].…”

“…The observed interconnections between hypothyroidism and metabolic disturbances manifesting in the liver and body composition have not yet been comprehensively analyzed in the context of lifestyle. Furthermore, the quality of life of individuals with coexisting NAFL and hypothyroidism, which diminishes when analyzed separately, has not been assessed [22][23][24][25].…”