Fatty Liver Disease in India: A Silent Epidemic Among IT Professionals and Children
- Bhoomi gupta
- May 9
- 2 min read
A Silent Liver Crisis Brewing in India
According to a recent study by the University of Hyderabad, 84% of IT employees in India are suffering from fatty liver disease. Similarly, another worrying statistic from AIIMS reveals that 35% of Indian children are also affected. This sharp rise highlights an urgent need for awareness, preventive action, and natural solutions.
What Is Fatty Liver Disease?
Understanding MAFLD and MASLD -The New Terminology Explained:
Fatty liver disease, once widely known as NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease), is now referred to as MAFLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease) and in children as MASLD (Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). The updated terminology aims to eliminate the stigma associated with the word "fatty" and the assumption that alcohol is involved.
Two Main Types of Fatty Liver
There are two broad types:
Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD): Caused by excessive alcohol consumption.
Non-Alcoholic/Metabolic Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): Caused by poor dietary and lifestyle habits.
In India, MAFLD is becoming increasingly common, especially among sedentary professionals and young people.
What the Data Says: Who’s Most at Risk?
The IT Workforce Crisis
Among IT professionals, sedentary work, high stress levels, irregular meals, and lack of exercise have created the perfect storm. The study by University of Hyderabad found:
84% had fatty liver
71% were obese
34% had metabolic syndrome
Children at Risk Too
A study by AIIMS revealed that 35% of children in India have fatty liver disease. Even more concerning, many of these children show no symptoms. Liver disease is quietly progressing under the radar.
Common Symptoms
Constant fatigue
Mild pain in the upper right abdomen
Elevated liver enzymes (detected through blood tests)
Risk Factors
Obesity and high BMI
Insulin resistance, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes
High triglyceride and cholesterol levels
Irregular menstrual periods in girls
Sedentary lifestyle and excessive screen time
Family history of fatty liver
From Fatty Liver to Liver Transplant: The Slippery Slope
Unchecked MAFLD or MASLD can silently advance to:
Fibrosis (liver scarring)
Cirrhosis (severe liver damage)
Liver cancer or failure, eventually requiring a liver transplant
Visual representation of the 5 progressive stages of liver damage — from a healthy liver to fatty liver, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and ultimately liver cancer.
Ayurvedic & Lifestyle-Based Prevention for Fatty Liver Disease:
5 Natural Ways to Support Your Liver
1. Switch to Whole Foods: Ditch processed snacks, soft drinks, and refined sugars.
2. Stay Physically Active: At least 30 minutes of daily exercise goes a long way.
3. Improve Sleep Quality: Poor sleep disrupts metabolism and liver repair.
4. Reduce Screen Time: Especially in children, replace it with outdoor play.
Use Ayurvedic Herbs: Herbs like Kutki, Kalmegh, Bhringraj, and Triphala support liver detox and repair or try Shwetam's Liver Cleanse Tea (a unique blend of 16 powerful Ayurvedic herbs—each carefully selected for its liver-protective, detoxifying, and rejuvenating properties)
Let’s Talk About Liver Health More Openly
Fatty liver disease in India is no longer a condition affecting just older adults. Children, teens, and working professionals are silently suffering. Early prevention and lifestyle change are key.
Start with your diet, sleep, activity, and herbal support. Your liver will thank you later.
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