Association of visible fat intake with serum liver enzymes in obese individuals

Ashni Sangappan Jayakumar; Anuradha Ganesan

Ashni Sangappan Jayakumar Department of Biochemistry, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India
Anuradha Ganesan Department of Biochemistry, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu District, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5108-2486

Keywords: body mass index, obese, non obese, liver disease

Abstract

Visible fat intake may adversely influence hepatic function and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to assess the association between visible fat consumption, liver enzyme biomarkers, and lipid profile in obese and non-obese individuals. A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2023 in the Department of Biochemistry, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Kelambakkam, India. One hundred subjects (20–70 years, both genders) were enrolled and stratified by BMI. Dietary visible fat intake, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT), and lipid profile were analysed. Among obese males, AST (P=0.037) showed a significant correlation with visible fat, while ALP (P=0.01) correlated in obese females. Lipid analysis revealed associations in obese males with triglycerides (P=0.001), HDL (P=0.004), VLDL (P=0.001), and in obese females with triglycerides (P=0.003), HDL (P=0.043), LDL (P=0.039), and VLDL (P=0.003). Age-wise, ALT (P=0.048) and GGT (P=0.020) were significant in the 20–40 year group, ALP (P=0.000) in the 41–60 year group, and cholesterol, triglycerides, and VLDL in individuals over 60 years. ROC curve analysis revealed AST (AUC=0.95) and ALT (AUC=0.76) as accurate predictors. Visible fat intake is significantly linked with altered liver enzymes and lipid profile in obese individuals, highlighting dietary fat as a modifiable risk factor for hepatic and metabolic health.