The Association Between Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Depression in Adults: The Role of Physical Activity Levels and Types

Introduction At now, the association between levels of physical activity and depression is not well understood, however depressive symptoms are common in patients with metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Material and methods This study aims to investigate whether there is a correlation between MAFLD patients' levels of moderate to vigorous recreational exercise and depression. From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, 2656 individuals with MAFLD were included in this investigation. Depressive symptoms were examined in connection to varying degrees of entertainment activity using a generalized linear model that was weighted on numerous factors. Results After accounting for all potential confounding factors, the weighted generalized linear model revealed a negative correlation between moderate entertainment activity and depression (OR=0.599, 95% CI: 0.475-0.755; P<0.001). This correlation persisted even after controlling for other variables. In spite of this, after controlling for all potential confounding variables, there was still no correlation between the intensity of entertainment activity and depression. Females who engage in moderate amounts of amusement are less likely to suffer from depression, according to subgroup analysis (OR=0.657, 95% CI: 0.440-0.983; P =0.036). Conclusions This link persists after controlling for other variables; patients with MAFLD are more prone to depression, whereas those with higher levels of moderate recreational activity are less likely to suffer from depression. Their depressed symptoms may be treatable by modest recreational activity, according to these results.