A health issue once thought to affect mostly older adults is now quietly spreading among young Indians and most people do not even know that they have it.
Doctors across the country are reporting a worrying increase in fatty liver disease among people in their 20s and 30s. This condition, officially known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), happens when excess fat builds up in the liver and interferes with its normal function.
Unlike traditional liver disease linked to heavy drinking, this surge is largely not related to alcohol use. Instead, lifestyle changes in modern India are believed to be driving the rise, especially among young adults.
Key Reasons Behind the Rise:
• Sedentary Lifestyle: Long hours of sitting at desk jobs, increased screen time and minimal physical activity are linked to fat accumulation in the liver.
• Unhealthy Diet: Frequent consumption of processed foods, sugary drinks, high-fat meals and refined carbs overloads the liver, increasing fat storage.
• Obesity and Belly Fat: Central obesity, excess fat around the midsection is a major risk factor, even in people who appear slim.
• Metabolic Issues: Conditions like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome make young adults more vulnerable.
• Stress and Poor Sleep: Chronic stress, irregular sleep patterns and disrupted routines can worsen metabolism and liver health.
What makes this especially dangerous is that fatty liver often shows no obvious symptoms early on. Many people are only diagnosed during routine tests like ultrasounds, blood work or scans done for other health checks.
If left unchecked, NAFLD can progress from simple fat buildup to inflammation, liver scarring, and even cirrhosis or liver failure over time.
Health experts warn that reversing the trend requires urgent action — starting with regular health screenings, balanced diets, daily exercise, and reducing the intake of sugar and processed foods.
Without greater awareness and lifestyle changes, fatty liver could become one of India’s most widespread silent health crises, especially among its young population.
