Relación de la composición corporal con la calidad de la dieta, el perfil hepático y el perfil lipídico en pacientes con esteatosis hepática no alcohólica en el centro de especialidades Gastrocenter en la ciudad de Cuenca-Ecuador 2025

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and inadequate dietary habits, with a high prevalence in the adult population. Objective: To analyze the relationship between body composition, diet quality, hepatic profile, and lipid profile in patients with NAFLD treated at the GastroCenter Specialty Center in the city of Cuenca. A quantitative, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted during the period from August 2025 to January 2026. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, diet quality was evaluated using the Global Diet Quality Index, and biochemical parameters were measured through hepatic and lipid profile tests. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics and association tests such as chi-square, and Spearman correlation. The sample consisted of 94 patients, with a mean age of 47 ± 14 years and a predominance of females (59.6%). A high frequency of obesity was observed (61.7%), and a very high body fat percentage was identified in 64.9% of participants, while muscle mass was mainly within normal ranges. Diet quality was primarily classified as “needs improvement” in 63.8% of cases. Dyslipidemia was identified in 72.3% of patients, and hepatic alterations were found in 34.0%. No significant associations were observed between overall diet quality and body composition or the hepatic profile; however, triglycerides showed relevant associations with body composition indicators.