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

Summary: 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 (P300 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.