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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 14, 2012; 18(46): 6790-6800
Published online Dec 14, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i46.6790
Published online Dec 14, 2012. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i46.6790
Have guidelines addressing physical activity been established in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?
Carmine Finelli, Center of Obesity and Eating Disorder, Stella Maris Mediterraneum Foundation, Chiaromonte, 80035 Potenza, Italy
Giovanni Tarantino, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Federico II University Medical School of Naples, 80131 Naples, Italy
Author contributions: Both authors equally contributed to the design and draft of manuscript.
Correspondence to: Giovanni Tarantino, MD, Professor, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine Federico II University Medical School of Naples, Via Sergio Pansini, 5, 80131 Naples, Italy. tarantin@unina.it
Telephone: +39-81-7462024 Fax: +39-81-5466152
Received: March 30, 2012
Revised: June 29, 2012
Accepted: July 9, 2012
Published online: December 14, 2012
Revised: June 29, 2012
Accepted: July 9, 2012
Published online: December 14, 2012
Abstract
The purpose of this review was to highlight, in relation to the currently accepted pathophysiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the known exercise habits of patients with NAFLD and to detail the benefits of lifestyle modification with exercise (and/or physical activity) on parameters of metabolic syndrome. More rigorous, controlled studies of longer duration and defined histopathological end-points comparing exercise alone and other treatment are needed before better, evidence-based physical activity modification guidelines can be established, since several questions remain unanswered.