Introduction

Alcohol intake and obesityare seldom associated with increased level ofliver enzymes.Only few

studies focused the threshold of alcohol intake with elevated liver enzymes and its relationship with obesity.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of elevated serum Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) levelsin alcoholics with and without obesity and to evaluate the association between alcohol intake, Body Mass Index(BMI)and Waist circumference (WC) and their combined effect with serum ALT, AST and GGT levels.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and fifty–four males of alcoholic aged 30 years and above with and without obesity were included in study group. Serum ALT, AST and GGT levels were estimated by UV kinetic method. BMI and WC were recorded in the study group. Variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. Serum liver enzymes, BMI and WC were correlated using Pearson’s correlation.

Results

The mean age of study population was 41.8 ± 6.2.The prevalence of individuals (29.57%)with obese and alcohol consumption had raised AST levels (52 ± 3.4) than non–obesealcoholics (33 ± 3.2).The prevalence of increased liver enzymes in obese alcoholics was more when compared to non–obese alcoholics. AST and increased WC were highly correlated with `r` value of 0.72. AST and high BMIwere correlated with `r` value of 0.41.

Conclusion

Alcohol consumption and the obesity symbiotically raise serum ALT and AST. AST is highly correlated with WC and BMI. The impact of alcohol consumption on liver enzymes increases with measures of obesity.