What is the normal range of SGPT and SGOT?

SGPT (ALT): 7–56 U/L and SGOT (AST): 8–48 U/L. Ranges may slightly vary depending on the lab.

Is fasting required before a liver enzyme test?

Fasting is not always required. Follow your doctor's or diagnostic lab’s instructions.

Which tests should I take for a complete liver check-up?

A full Liver Function Test (LFT) is ideal. It includes SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, ALP, GGT, and proteins like Albumin.

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Published on: May 21, 2025
4 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean

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The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. It performs hundreds of functions, including filtering toxins, producing bile, and supporting digestion and metabolism. When your liver is under stress or not functioning properly, certain enzymes in your blood can increase. Two of the most common enzymes tested are SGPT (ALT) and SGOT (AST). In this blog, we will break down what these enzymes mean, why your doctor might suggest this test, and what the results indicate.

What is a Liver Enzymes Test?

A liver enzymes test is a type of blood test used to evaluate the health of your liver. It measures specific proteins (called enzymes) that the liver releases into your blood. When liver cells are damaged, these enzymes leak into your bloodstream. The most commonly tested liver enzymes are:

SGPT (ALT) – Serum Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase
SGOT (AST) – Serum Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase

Why Do Doctors Recommend a Liver Enzymes Test?

Your doctor may ask for a liver enzymes test if you show symptoms of liver problems or are at risk due to lifestyle or existing health conditions. Some common reasons include:

Fatigue or weakness
Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
Abdominal pain or swelling
Dark urine or pale stools
Alcohol consumption
Hepatitis (A, B, or C)
Obesity or fatty liver
Long-term medication usage
Diabetes or high cholesterol

What is SGPT (ALT)?

SGPT, also known as ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), is an enzyme mainly found in the liver. It plays a role in converting proteins into energy for liver cells. When liver cells are damaged or inflamed, SGPT leaks into the bloodstream.

Normal SGPT Levels:

For men: 7 to 56 units per liter of blood
For women: 7 to 45 units per liter

What Does High SGPT Mean?

High SGPT levels may indicate:

Liver inflammation (Hepatitis)
Fatty liver disease
Alcohol-related liver damage
Liver infection or injury
Side effects of medications
Obesity-related liver stress

Sometimes, even intense physical activity or certain supplements can temporarily raise SGPT levels.

What is SGOT (AST)?

SGOT, also known as AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), is an enzyme found not just in the liver, but also in the heart, kidneys, muscles, and brain. So, while it can point to liver damage, it may also indicate problems in other organs.

Normal SGOT Levels:

For men: 8 to 48 units per liter of blood
For women: 8 to 43 units per liter

What Does High SGOT Mean?

High SGOT levels may be due to:

Liver damage or cirrhosis
Heart disease or recent heart attack
Muscle injuries
Pancreatitis
Alcohol abuse
Use of certain drugs or supplements

If both SGPT and SGOT are elevated, it’s more likely to be a liver-related issue.

SGPT vs SGOT – What's the Difference?

Feature	SGPT (ALT)	SGOT (AST)
Location	Mainly in the liver	Liver, heart, kidneys, muscles, brain
Specificity	More liver-specific	Less liver-specific
Indicates	Liver damage	Liver, heart, or muscle damage
Normal Range	7–56 U/L	8–48 U/L

Conclusion: If only SGPT is high, it's more likely to be liver-specific. If both are high, the doctor may run further tests.

Other Liver Tests Often Done Together

To get a full picture of liver health, doctors may also recommend:

ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) – Linked to bile ducts
GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) – Linked to alcohol use or bile problems
Bilirubin – Indicates liver’s ability to process waste
Albumin and Total Protein – Reflects liver's protein production
PT/INR – Measures blood clotting, another liver function

What to Do if SGPT/SGOT Are High?

If your test results show high liver enzymes, don’t panic. A one-time elevation doesn’t always mean serious disease. Here's what you should do:

1. Follow-Up Testing

Your doctor may repeat the test after a few weeks or recommend imaging (ultrasound/CT scan) to check for liver fat, fibrosis, or tumors.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Avoid alcohol completely
Maintain a healthy diet (low-fat, high-fiber)
Exercise regularly
Control blood sugar and cholesterol
Stay hydrated

3. Review Medications

Some over-the-counter drugs like paracetamol, or supplements like bodybuilding products, can raise liver enzymes.

4. Monitor Regularly

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity, make liver function tests part of your routine health checks.

When to See a Doctor Immediately

Yellow eyes or skin (jaundice)
Severe abdominal pain
Swelling in legs or abdomen
Confusion or mood changes
Dark-colored urine or light-colored stools

These signs may indicate serious liver issues and need immediate attention.

Final Thoughts

The liver is a silent warrior – it works 24/7 and rarely complains until it's seriously damaged. That’s why regular check-ups, especially liver enzyme tests, are essential for early detection and prevention.

Understanding your SGPT and SGOT levels can give you valuable insights into your liver’s health. Whether you’re dealing with symptoms, managing a chronic condition, or just doing a preventive health check, this simple blood test can help you stay one step ahead.

Call to Action

Worried about your liver health? Book a full liver function test online today and get your results from the comfort of your home. Know your SGPT and SGOT levels now – because your health can’t wait.

Liver Enzymes Test Explained – What SGPT/SGOT Mean – Book Now on SecondMedic.com!

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Read FAQs

A. It helps diagnose liver diseases, monitor liver health, and assess the impact of medications, alcohol, or infections on the liver.

A. SGPT (ALT): 7–56 U/L SGOT (AST): 8–48 U/L Ranges may vary slightly based on labs.

A. Elevated levels may indicate liver inflammation, fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol-related damage, or side effects from medications.

A. Fasting is not always required, but it's best to follow your doctor’s or lab’s instructions.

A. A Liver Function Test (LFT), which includes SGPT, SGOT, Bilirubin, ALP, GGT, Albumin, and Total Protein, is recommended.

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Does Skipping Meals Slow Your Metabolism?

Many people skip meals hoping to lose weight or save time. But what happens inside your body when you do that? One of the most common concerns is:
Does skipping meals slow your metabolism?
Let’s explore the facts, myths, and what science really says.

What Is Metabolism?

Metabolism is the process your body uses to convert the food and drinks you consume into energy. Even when you're sleeping, your body is burning calories for basic functions like breathing and circulating blood. This is called your basal metabolic rate (BMR).

The faster your metabolism, the more calories you burn—naturally.

What Happens When You Skip a Meal?

When you skip a meal, your body starts looking for alternate energy sources. First, it uses stored glucose. If that runs out, it may break down fat or even muscle.

You may feel:

Tired or sluggish
Lightheaded or irritable
Crave sugary or high-carb foods later

If this becomes a regular pattern, it can impact your overall health and metabolism.

Does Skipping Meals Actually Slow Down Metabolism?

Short answer: Yes, it can—especially if done frequently.

Here’s how:

Your body goes into conservation mode.
To protect itself, your body may burn fewer calories if it senses food is not coming regularly.
You may lose muscle.
Skipping meals, especially without enough protein, can lead to muscle loss. Muscle burns more calories than fat—even at rest.
Hormonal imbalance.
Skipping meals can increase cortisol (the stress hormone), which is linked to fat storage, especially around the belly.
Energy dips.
Less fuel = less energy = less movement = fewer calories burned.

So yes, skipping meals may slow down your metabolism over time, making it harder to lose or maintain weight.

Is Intermittent Fasting the Same?

Not exactly. Intermittent fasting (IF) is a planned eating pattern, like eating between 12 PM and 8 PM.

It gives your body time to digest and repair, and when done right, does not necessarily slow metabolism.

The problem is randomly skipping meals without planning or nutrition tracking. That’s when metabolism can suffer.

Skipping Meals and Overeating

Another big issue is compensation. People who skip meals often overeat later in the day.

You may:

Binge on snacks
Choose unhealthy options due to cravings
Eat faster and beyond fullness

This can lead to weight gain, blood sugar spikes, and digestive discomfort.

Impact on Brain and Mood

Food fuels your brain. Skipping meals can cause:

Low focus and memory issues
Irritability and mood swings
Poor decision-making (especially with food choices)

It can also affect sleep and increase fatigue.

Healthy Alternatives to Skipping Meals

If you’re trying to lose weight or manage calories, here are smarter strategies:

1. Try time-restricted eating

Eat within a 10–12 hour window daily. This gives the benefits of fasting without shocking your system.

2. Eat smaller portions, not fewer meals

Balance your plate with carbs, protein, and healthy fats. Even 200–300 calorie meals can keep metabolism stable.

3. Stay hydrated

Sometimes thirst feels like hunger. Drink enough water throughout the day.

4. Focus on protein and fiber

They keep you full longer and help preserve muscle.

When to Worry

If you skip meals often and notice:

Constant fatigue
Weight gain despite eating less
Cold hands and feet
Hair thinning or dry skin

…these may be signs your metabolism has slowed down. Consult a doctor and consider tests like:

Thyroid function test
Vitamin B12/D3 levels
Fasting blood sugar

You can book these via SecondMedic.com, with home sample collection powered by Thyrocare.

Conclusion

Skipping meals once in a while won’t ruin your metabolism. But making it a habit can lead to slower calorie burning, muscle loss, and overeating.

If your goal is better health, focus on balanced eating, meal planning, and mindful food habits.

So, the next time you ask, “Does skipping meals slow your metabolism?”, remember—yes, it can, especially without strategy or support. Eat smart, not less.

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