Fatty liver is threatening millions of Indians

By Dr Utkarsh Shah
Internal Medicine Specialist

India is facing a medical crisis that is spreading quietly—but rapidly. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), now renamed Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), has become one of the most common and dangerous disorders in the country. Here's why every Indian family should pay attention.

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1. Fatty liver is now extremely common in India: ICMR-NIN data (2023–24) shows 25–32% of Indian adults have fatty liver. In cities, this number rises to 40–50%. Younger Indians (20–35 years) are increasingly affected.

2. It's not mild condition, it can turn dangerous: It can progress to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, even liver cancer. Many reach late stages without symptoms.

3. Real dangers are heart attacks & strokes: NAFLD increases risk of heart attack and stroke by 2–3 times. Heart disease, not liver failure, is the biggest cause of death in these patients.

4. Why Indians more vulnerable?: Sedentary lifestyle, high-calorie diets, excess sugar and oils. Strong genetic predisposition to diabetes. Post-COVID rise in insulin resistance. Children now showing early fatty liver changes.

5. Metabolic syndrome: The Dangerous Combination: Fatty liver often coexists with high BP, high sugar, high triglycerides, and abdominal obesity. This greatly increases risk of heart disease and kidney disease.

6. Good News: Fatty liver is reversible: Losing 7–10% body weight can reverse early-stage disease. Increased activity, protein-rich diet, and reduced sugar help significantly. Twenty to thirty minutes exercise daily is highly effective.

7. Who should get screened?: Anyone with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, PCOS, or family history. Screening tests include ultrasound and liver enzymes.

8. Newer medications for high-risk patients: GLP-1 agonists, SGLT-2 inhibitors, and pioglitazone are available, but only under doctor supervision.

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Published in Lokmat Times, Nagpur Main, Page No. 7, Dec 25, 2025