India Faces Surge in Fatty Liver Disease: Know about the Key Causes and Remedies

Suruchi Sharma

Fatty liver disease, or hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat accumulates in liver cells. Its rising incidence in Indians is due to lifestyle, diet, and genetics. The key contributors are:

Dietary Changes and High Consumption of Processed Food

Decline of traditional diets

Sedentary Lifestyle or Lack of physical activity

Obesity and Overweight- Growing obesity rates

Genetics: South Asians, including Indians, are more prone to abdominal fat and fatty liver.

India has one of the highest rates of type 2 diabetes worldwide, and the growing prevalence of these conditions is leading to an increase in fatty liver disease.

Alcohol Consumption: Alcohol-related fatty liver disease is becoming more common due to the rising consumption of alcohol in some regions.

Lack Of Awareness: Fatty liver disease often has no early symptoms, making routine screening crucial to prevent progression.

To tackle the increasing prevalence of fatty liver disease in India, it is crucial to implement public health initiatives that encourage:

A balanced diet rich in fiber, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Regular physical activity to combat sedentary lifestyles.

Increased awareness about the risks associated with obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease.

Routine screening can aid in early diagnosis and prevent fatty liver disease and related complications.