Association between Fatty Liver Index and Body composition and Physical Fitness in the Elderly

The purpose of this study was to examine the associations between the Fatty Liver Index (FLI), body composition, and physical fitness factors in old adults. A total of 254 participants aged 65 years or older (134 men and 120 women) were participated in this study. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis, and physical fitness was evaluated using the Senior Fitness Test. The Fatty Liver Index was calculated based on anthropometric and blood biochemical parameters. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted separately according to sex.<br/> The results indicated that, in elderly men, body weight and body mass index (BMI) were positively associated with FLI, whereas skeletal muscle mass showed a significant negative association. The regression model demonstrated a relatively high explanatory power (adjusted R ² = .615). In elderly women, BMI was the strongest positive predictor of FLI, and body weight was also significantly associated, with a very high explanatory power of the model (adjusted R ² = .713).<br/> Regarding physical fitness factors, lower extremity strength was negatively associated with FLI in elderly men, while hand grip strength showed a positive association; however, the overall explanatory power was limited. In elderly women, agility was the only physical fitness factor significantly associated with FLI, and its explanatory power was low.<br/> In conclusion, the factors associated with FLI differed by sex in older adults. These findings suggest that sex-specific approaches focusing on body composition and physical fitness are required for effective fatty liver prevention and management in the elderly.