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Physical activity and nutrition attitudes in obese Hispanic children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Lana N Hattar1, Theresa A Wilson, Leanel A Tabotabo

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States. lhattar@yahoo.com

World Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 24, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Obese children with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) exhibit more sedentary behavior and less physical activity and fruit intake compared to peers. These findings highlight potential targets for NASH treatment in pediatric populations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Nutrition Science

Background:

  • Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is increasingly diagnosed in obese children.
  • Lifestyle factors including nutrition and physical activity are implicated in NASH development and progression.
  • Understanding these behaviors in pediatric NASH is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare nutrition, physical activity, and health knowledge in obese children with biopsy-proven NASH versus obese and lean children without liver disease.
  • To identify specific lifestyle factors associated with NASH in the pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study comparing biopsy-proven NASH children to age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched obese (OB) and lean (CO) controls.
  • Utilized the School Physical Activity and Nutrition Survey to assess lifestyle factors.
  • Collected blood samples for further analysis (details not specified in abstract).

Main Results:

  • Children with NASH showed significantly lower fruit intake and physical activity levels compared to both OB and CO groups.
  • A higher percentage of NASH children reported reading nutrition labels and perceived their diet as 'less healthy'.
  • Sedentary behavior was strongly associated with advanced fibrosis (grade 2-3) in NASH patients.

Conclusions:

  • Pediatric NASH is associated with detrimental lifestyle behaviors, including reduced physical activity and fruit consumption.
  • Increased sedentary behavior correlates with more severe liver fibrosis in children with NASH.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the therapeutic potential of modifying these behaviors for NASH treatment.
Abstract

Keywords:
HispanicNon-alcoholic steatohepatitisNutritionNutrition surveyPediatricPhysical activitySchool physical activity

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