As World Liver Day was marked on April 19, medical experts across India raised alarms over the rapid increase in fatty liver disease among young adults. New data reveals a disturbing trend, with health professionals warning that the condition—once associated mainly with older adults—is now emerging as a critical threat to individuals under 45, driven by modern sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and chronic stress.
According to Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin, Director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), prioritizing liver health each morning should be a daily habit, not a once-a-year observance. “A healthy liver means a longer life and a healthier nation,” he said, urging early screenings and public awareness. He emphasized that liver damage often progresses without symptoms, making proactive care and donations even more vital for public health.
The data is alarming. In the past six months alone, Mahajan Imaging & Labs reported that 35% of young adults under 45 undergoing ultrasound scans showed signs of fatty liver. This condition, known medically as hepatic steatosis or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. Though often silent in the early stages, it can escalate to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. Global studies now show that NAFLD affects 32.4% of the population, with projections estimating a rise to 55.4% by 2040.
A study by AIIMS further highlights the crisis, revealing NAFLD rates as high as 65.7% in urban areas and 61.1% in rural populations among adults aged 30–60. Even among children, 12.4% of non-obese and 63.4% of obese participants had signs of fatty liver. These cases are strongly associated with metabolic risk factors, including diabetes, obesity, and insulin resistance. More concerning, nearly a quarter of affected individuals also showed elevated liver enzyme levels, signaling early liver damage.
Dr. Randhir Sud of Medanta Hospital called it one of the most urgent but under-recognized public health challenges of our time. He stressed that the disease often advances silently over the years, making early detection and routine screenings essential. Without clear symptoms, many people are unaware of the damage until it becomes irreversible.
The reclassification of NAFLD to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) reflects its deep connection with modern lifestyle factors. A study by the University of Hyderabad found that over 80% of IT professionals surveyed suffered from MASLD, with 71% classified as obese and 34% diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. Dr. Ankur Garg of Aakash Healthcare emphasized the urgent need to address sedentary work environments and their impact on liver health.
With experts calling for nationwide awareness campaigns, regular liver screenings, and stronger public health strategies, India must act swiftly to address this growing epidemic—before today’s young adults become tomorrow’s liver disease statistics.
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