The association between metabolic associated fatty liver disease and depression in adults: the role of physical activity levels and types.

Introduction: 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). This study aimed to investigate whether there is a correlation between MAFLD patients' levels of moderate to vigorous recreational exercise and depression. Material and methods: From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database, 2656 individuals with MAFLD were included in this investigation. Depressive symptoms were examined in relation to varying degrees of recreational 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 recreational activity and depression (OR = 0.599, 95% CI: 0.475-0.755; Conclusions: This association 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 depressive symptoms may be treatable by modest recreational activity, according to these results.