Background and Aims: The relative effects of obesity compared to alcohol on liver injury are uncertain. We examined their effects on alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) levels in a population-based cohort.
Methods: Adult residents (2610: 1326 males, 1284 females) from Busselton, Australia, participated in a cross-sectional survey determining alcohol intake as determined by a validated questionnaire, anthropometric measurements and serum analysis. Alcohol consumption was classified as never, light (420 g/week).
Results: The majority of subjects were either overweight (41%) or obese (17%). A minority of subjects were moderate (25%) or heavy drinkers (4%). Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference were strongly associated with ALT and GGT (P 0.2 for all tests).
Conclusions: Excess weight is more common than excessive alcohol consumption in the community and confers a greater risk of elevated aminotransaminase levels
