Abstract

Introduction: Although previous investigations have shown that some dietary components can be associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), few studies have investigated the association between fast food intake and this disease. The aim of this case-control study was to examine the relationship between fast food intake and NAFLD in male adults. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 100 NAFLD cases and 300 age-matched normal controls. Total data were collected using a 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and physical activity questionaire. Height and weight were measured by standard methods. Data were analyzed using chi-square, t tests and logistic regression model and P<0.05 was considered significant. Total fast food consumption was obtained for sausage, pizza, hamburger. Results: Mean fast food consumption in cases were higher than controls (19.5±7.3 vs 10.5±4.2 gr/day, respectively). Higher intake of fast foods was significantly associated with higher intakes of energy, protein, total fat, saturated fatty acids, cholesterol, cole, artificial juices and red meats and lower intakes of fruits, vegetables, legumes and diary products. A higher fast food intake was associated with a higher risk of NAFLD (OR, 3.83; 95, CI 1.84-7.97; P<0.0001), an associations, that weakened slightly after adjusting for age, smoking, physical activity, body mass index and energy intake (OR, 3.31; 95, CI 1.31-8.38; P<0.009). Conclusions: There was a significant positive relationship between fast food intake and NAFLD in males, emphasizing the need for raising more awareness among individuals on the possible complications of fast food consumption, to decrease their consumption and reduce risk of disease. © 2018, Endocrine Research Center. All rights reserved.