On World Liver Day, speaking on the issue, 'young adults face alarming rise in fatty liver cases, Dr Randhir Sud from the department of gastroenterology and gastrosciences at Medanta Hospital, said that physical exercise "is the only lasting solution" from developing an unhealthy liver among the working population in the age group of 20 to 55.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, he said the "numerous other ailments and diseases that result from developing a fatty liver, are more fatal than the liver disease itself."
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now reclassified as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is emerging as a significant health concern among young Indians, especially those engaged in sedentary occupations. Recent studies indicate a sharp rise in prevalence, with lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting, poor dietary habits, and lack of physical activity being primary contributors.
NAFLD often develops quietly, with fat gradually accumulating in the liver. In its early stages, it may not cause any noticeable symptoms, making it difficult to detect without medical screening. However, the disease can escalate and develop complexities if not treated in time.
While obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol remain common risk factors, doctors are observing an increasing number of NAFLD cases among non-obese individuals. This emerging trend points to the multifactorial nature of the disease, with genetics, insulin resistance, and visceral fat playing critical roles.
“Sedentary behaviour reduces insulin sensitivity, leading to insulin resistance—one of the key drivers of NAFLD. Unfortunately, our current work culture encourages long hours at desks with little regard for movement or nutrition,” added Dr Ankur Garg.
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Emerging research suggests that fatty liver disease, particularly in its advanced stages, can have a profound impact on neurological health. The liver plays a critical role in filtering toxins from the blood, and when its function is compromised, harmful substances like ammonia can accumulate and affect brain function, Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Chief of Neurology, Fortis Hospital said.
What is fatty liver?
Fatty liver, or hepatic steatosis, occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver. While often asymptomatic in its early stages, the condition can lead to severe complications such as liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer if left unchecked.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) affects approximately 32.4% of the global population, making it the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Moreover, the prevalence has increased from 26% in 2005 to 38% in recent years and is expected to reach 55.4% by 2040, as per statistics shared in the press conference.
Dr Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairman, Mahajan Imaging & Labs, says “Fatty liver often develops silently, with many individuals experiencing no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, signs like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, abdominal discomfort, or elevated liver enzymes during routine blood tests can point to underlying issues. We strongly recommend individuals, especially those with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, or a sedentary lifestyle, to undergo a liver function test (LFT) and an abdominal ultrasound for early detection and timely intervention.”
Dr Sud further added that fatty liver disease has evolved into one of the most pressing but under-recognised public health challenges of our time. "We're not just dealing with an increase in isolated cases—we're witnessing a systemic shift in how and when the disease manifests. The progression from simple steatosis to inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis can occur silently over years, often without triggering any immediate alarms. This makes population-level screening, especially among younger adults, absolutely essential. Beyond lifestyle changes, we need stronger clinical protocols and public health strategies to integrate liver health into regular preventive care."
Health experts are urging primary care providers to incorporate liver function tests into routine health check-ups, particularly for those with risk factors.
