A study by the University of California Irvine and other researchers has revealed a concerning link between high fast-food consumption and an increased risk of developing fatty liver disease later in life.
This research, led by Andrew O Odegaard and colleagues, was published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
The study focuses on visceral body fat, the ‘hidden’ fat stored deep within the abdomen, wrapping around vital organs such as the liver and intestines.
While it constitutes about one-tenth of all body fat, with most fat being subcutaneous (under the skin), its impact on health is significant.
Visceral and liver fat are key risk factors for obesity-related chronic diseases, and previous studies have shown that eating fast food can contribute to these risk factors.
In this study, the researchers aimed to assess the long-term effects of fast-food intake on the development of metabolic-related fatty liver disease in middle age.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a condition characterized by an excess build-up of fats in the liver, can lead to serious health complications. It is often associated with obesity, a high-fat diet, and type 2 diabetes.
The team analyzed data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which involved six clinical exams and measurements over a 25-year period.
These assessments focused on liver fat, visceral body fat, and metabolic health. Additionally, the researchers examined the participants’ average fast-food intake over the past 25 years.
The findings were clear: a higher average intake of fast food over 25 years was associated with increased levels of visceral body fat and liver fat.
Furthermore, compared to individuals who never ate fast food, those with a higher average intake faced a greater risk of having fatty liver disease by the 25th year.
Based on these results, the researchers suggest that consuming fast food frequently over an extended period significantly increases the risk of developing fatty liver disease in middle age.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence highlighting the long-term health risks associated with a diet high in fast food, emphasizing the importance of dietary choices for long-term liver health and overall well-being.
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