The Claim
Higher perceived stress, as measured by the Perceived Stress Index (PSI), is associated with a significantly increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in apparently healthy adults, with individuals in the 90th percentile of stress (PSI score 27) having approximately 1.8 times higher odds of NAFLD compared to those in the 10th percentile (PSI score 10), after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, metabolic factors, and lifestyle variables.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Adults with higher self-reported stress levels have a higher rate of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease compared to those with lower stress levels, even when accounting for age, sex, body weight, and lifestyle factors.
See the scientific wording
Higher perceived stress, as measured by the Perceived Stress Index (PSI), is associated with a significantly increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in apparently healthy adults, with individuals in the 90th percentile of stress (PSI score 27) having approximately 1.8 times higher odds of NAFLD compared to those in the 10th percentile (PSI score 10), after adjusting for age, sex, BMI, metabolic factors, and lifestyle variables.
When a person feels stressed for a long time, the body releases stress hormones that tell fat cells to break down fat and send it to the liver, while also making the liver less able to respond to insulin. This causes fat to build up in the liver instead of being used or stored properly.
What the research says
1 studyPeople who feel more stressed are more likely to have a fatty liver, even if they’re not overweight or have other health problems — this study found that link in healthy adults.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.