Timing of physical activity in relation to liver fat content and insulin resistance
Authors' conclusion
The number of daily breaks in sedentary time was not associated with lower liver fat content or reduced insulin resistance. Moderate-to-vigorous activity in the afternoon or evening was associated with a reduction of up to 25% in insulin resistance. Further studies should assess whether timing of physical activity is also important for the occurrence of type 2 diabetes.
Study context
- Population
- Participants of the Dutch Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) study (42% men; mean age 56 years; mean BMI 26.2 kg/m²); liver fat by magnetic resonance spectroscopy in 256liver fat measured in 256
- Participants
- 775 participants
- Exposure
- Timing of moderate-to-vigorous-physical activity (MVPA) vs MVPA evenly distributed throughout the day
- Outcome
- Liver fat content and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR)
Methodological detailsNetherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) cohort, activity sensors, linear regression adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors incl. total body fat
- Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) cohort
- Activity sensors
- Linear regression adjusted for demographic and lifestyle factors incl. total body fat
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) by timing of MVPA
Each group vs even distributionDifference, % (95% CI)
Morning
−3(−25% to 16%)
Afternoon
−18(−33% to −2%)
Evening
−25(−49% to −4%)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Total MVPA and insulin resistance
- Total MVPA associated with reduced insulin resistance (95% CI −10%/h, 0%/h); not with liver fat
- −5%/h
Sedentary time and breaks
- Total sedentary time not associated with liver fat content or insulin resistance
- More breaks in sedentary time associated with higher liver fat content
Original publication
Timing of physical activity in relation to liver fat content and insulin resistance. Diabetologia. Published 1 November 2022. doi:10.
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