A new study found a shocking link between an extended sedentary lifestyle and serious liver disease in kids. The study, led by Professor Andrew Agbaje of the University of Eastern Finland, focuses on the major health concerns associated with sitting or being inactive for more than six hours every day.
The research, which was published in the journal Nature’s Gut and Liver and presented at the Endocrine Society’s annual meeting, ENDO 2024, in Boston, USA, found that children who lead sedentary lifestyles are significantly more likely to develop liver cirrhosis and metabolic-associated steatotic (fatty) liver disease (MASLD) by the time they are young adults.
MASLD is a dangerous illness in which fat accumulates in the liver because of metabolic syndrome components such as obesity and high blood pressure.
According to Professor Agbaje, “We found that this relationship between sedentariness and liver damage is likely causal.” The result came to light after a long-term analysis of a large UK birth cohort, in which individuals got liver ultrasound scans at ages 17 and 24 to check for fatty liver and scarring.
The study found that, on average, children spent 6 hours each day in sedentary activities, which grew to nine hours by early adulthood. The results indicated that the risk of getting fatty liver disease before the age of 25 increased by 15% for each half-hour of sedentary behaviour over six hours per day.
This study emphasizes how important it is for kids and teens to include more physical exercise in their everyday lives in order to prevent significant liver diseases and promote good health.
