Open AccessPredictors of liver fat among children and adolescents from five different ethnic groups
Author(s) -
Maskarinec Gertraud,
Garber Andrea K.,
Wong Michael C.,
Kelly Nisa,
Kazemi Leila,
Buchthal Steven D.,
Fearnbach Nicole,
Heymsfield Steven B.,
Shepherd John A.
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
obesity science and practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.654
H-Index - 14
ISSN - 2055-2238
DOI - 10.1002/osp4.459
Subject(s) - medicine , anthropometry , obesity , overweight , body mass index , pacific islanders , demography , population , nonalcoholic fatty liver disease , fatty liver , disease , environmental health , sociology
Objectives As rates of obesity around the world have increased, so has the detection of high level of liver fat in children and adolescents. This may put them at risk for cardiovascular disease later in life. This analysis of a cross‐sectional population‐based study of children and adolescents evaluated demographic and lifestyle determinants of percent liver fat. Methods Healthy participants (123 girls and 99 boys aged 5–17 years) recruited by convenience sampling in three locations completed questionnaires, anthropometric measurements, and dual X‐ray absorptiometry and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessment. General linear models were applied to estimate the association of demographic, anthropometric, and dietary factors as well as physical activity with MRI‐based percent liver fat. Results The strongest predictor of liver fat was body mass index (BMI; p < 0.0001); overweight and obesity were associated with 0.5% and 1% higher liver fat levels. The respective adjusted mean percent values were 2.9 (95% CI 2.7, 3.1) and 3.4 (95% CI 3.2, 3.6) as compared to normal weight (2.4; 95% CI 2.3, 2.6). Mean percent liver fat was highest in Whites and African Americans, intermediate in Hispanic, and lowest among Asians and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders ( p < 0.0001). Age ( p = 0.67), sex ( p = 0.28), physical activity ( p = 0.74), and diet quality ( p = 0.70) were not significantly related with liver fat. Conclusions This study in multiethnic children and adolescents confirms the strong relationship of BMI with percent liver fat even in a population with low liver fat levels without detecting an association with age, sex, and dietary or physical activity patterns.