Silent Epidemic:38 % of Indian adults and 80% of IT Professionals Suffer from Fatty Liver, Say Experts

KalimNews |  Health Desk | April 20, 2025 : In a startling revelation that has shaken the health and wellness community, recent studies show that eight out of ten IT professionals in India are battling fatty liver disease — a condition once rare among the young but now increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles, poor eating habits, and mounting work pressure.

The condition, now officially renamed MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), is fast emerging as a modern health crisis among urban Indians, especially young professionals.

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📈 A Growing Concern, Discovered by Accident

"Most people discover they have fatty liver purely by accident — during routine health checkups," says Dr. Vishal Khurana, Director of Gastroenterology at Metro Hospital, Faridabad. "They often ignore the diagnosis until the condition progresses into something serious."

A 2021 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology estimated that 38% of Indian adults have NAFLD (now MASLD). In cities like Chandigarh, the prevalence is even higher — a shocking 53.5%. Alarmingly, even children are affected, with 35% showing signs of liver fat accumulation.

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🔍 What Is MASLD (formerly NAFLD)?

Fatty liver occurs when more than 5-10% of the liver’s weight is fat. While some fat is normal, excess fat can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually liver failure.

There are two types:

• AFLD – caused by excessive alcohol intake.

• MASLD (previously NAFLD) – caused by metabolic issues, not alcohol.

"Fatty liver goes through stages — from simple fat accumulation to inflammation (steatohepatitis), fibrosis, and finally cirrhosis, which is irreversible," explains Dr. Sanjiv Saigal, Head of Liver Sciences at Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.

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🧠 Why the Sudden Rise?

Experts blame:

• Sedentary habits

• Midnight junk food binges

• Increased screen time

• Shift from home-cooked meals to online ordering

“Children used to spend hours outdoors. Today, they're glued to screens, snacking on pizza and burgers,” notes Dr. Saigal. “This lifestyle shift is harming young livers.”

Dr. Pavan Hanchanale, a hepatologist from Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, adds: “Poor diets, rising obesity, and even genetics are all contributing. Genes like PNPLA3 make some individuals more susceptible — especially in Asian populations.”

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❤️ Link Between Fatty Liver & Heart Disease

One of the lesser-known but deadlier risks of MASLD is its link with cardiovascular disease.

“People with fatty liver are more likely to die of heart attacks than liver failure,” say experts. This is because the root causes — obesity, high cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure — affect both the liver and the heart.

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⚠️ Symptoms to Watch Out For

Fatty liver is often called a "silent disease", but some symptoms can include:

• Constant fatigue

• Discomfort in the upper right abdomen

• Unexplained weight loss

• Yellowing of eyes/skin (jaundice) in advanced cases

Tests like Liver Function Tests (LFTs), Ultrasound, FibroScan, and blood panels can help detect the condition early.

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🔄 Can It Be Reversed? YES — If Caught Early

Good news: If diagnosed early (before cirrhosis), fatty liver can be completely reversed with lifestyle changes.

✅ Experts Recommend:

🔹 Diet Changes

• Cut down on junk and processed foods

• Avoid sugary drinks and refined carbs

• Eat more greens, whole grains, and lean proteins

• Stay well-hydrated and avoid alcohol

🔹 Exercise

• 30–45 minutes daily, 5 times a week

• Include both cardio (like walking or swimming) and strength training

🔹 Weight Loss

• Losing 3–5% of body weight can reduce liver fat

• 10% can reverse inflammation and fibrosis

🔹 Other Tips

• Avoid reusing cooking oil (to reduce trans fats)

• Manage diabetes, cholesterol, and hypertension

• Drink black coffee in moderation — it’s liver-friendly!

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🤰 Women, Take Note: Fatty Liver During Pregnancy

MASLD affects around 18% of pregnant women in India. It can lead to gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and health issues in the child.

If you plan to conceive or are pregnant, regular monitoring, healthy eating, and safe physical activity are crucial. Breastfeeding may reduce liver disease risk for both mother and baby.

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🧭 Your Next Step

If you're part of the high-risk group — especially young professionals in tech, finance, or desk-bound roles — get screened. Talk to a gastroenterologist or hepatologist, and make small but consistent changes to your routine.

🗣️ “Have a fit liver, not a fatty liver. Prevention is the best cure,” says Dr. Saigal.

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📌 Bottom Line

Fatty liver is no longer just an older adult’s problem — it’s an urban epidemic spreading among India’s youth. The disease is silent but reversible. The cure lies not in a pill, but in awareness, movement, and mindful living.