Comparison of Body Mass Index, Smoking, Vitamin E and Type of Oil Consumed between Patients Suffering from Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease versus Non-affected Patients: A Case-Control Study

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an increasing trend in the world and can lead to liver failure and death if left untreated. Lifestyle modification is very important in the treatment of this disease.

This study aimed to determine the comparison of body mass index (BMI), smoking, vitamin E consumption, and type of oil consumed by patients with NAFLD with non-alcoholic patients.

The present study was a retrospective case-control study that was performed on 120 patients referred to the ultrasound unit of Shohaday Ashayer Hospital in Khorramabad. The participants were divided into two groups, including case (61 people) and control (59 people). The questionnaire consisted of three parts: (1) the first part was related to demographic information; (2) the second part was related to liver ultrasound results; (3) and the third part was related to height, weight, BMI, weekly vitamin E intake, daily smoking status, and type of oil consumed. Data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and descriptive and inferential statistical methods.

Most of the participants in the study were 69 (55.8%) and 92 (76.66%) were married. The mean BMI of patients with NAFLD was significantly higher than non-alcoholic patients (P = 0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in daily smoking and weekly intake of vitamin E in patients with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (P < 0.05). According to Fisher’s exact test, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference in the frequency by patients with NAFLD and non-alcoholic (P = 0.014). Also, a statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of the type of oil consumed by patients with NAFLD (P = 0.014).

Consumption of olive and sesame oil along with weight loss is recommended. Smoking as a risk factor, as well as the use of vitamin E to prevent and treat NAFLD, require further studies with a larger sample size.