Hyderabad, Apr18 (TNT): Nearly one in three urban Indians may be affected by fatty liver disease, often without noticeable symptoms, doctors at CARE Hospitals warned on the occasion of World Liver Day.
Highlighting the theme “Solid Habits, Strong Liver,” specialists said the condition, once largely seen in older adults, is now increasingly being diagnosed among people aged 30–50.
Alarmingly, rising childhood obesity is also emerging as an early driver of liver disease, the Hospital said in a release here on Saturday..
Doctors attributed the trend to lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting, irregular eating habits, fast food consumption, stress, and lack of physical activity.
IT and corporate professionals, as well as individuals with diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, were identified as being at higher risk.
Dr. Ramsagar Vidya Sagar, Senior Gastroenterologist at CARE Hospitals, said the issue reflects changing urban lifestyles and warned of a growing burden of liver disease.
Experts noted that fatty liver disease often remains “silent” in its early stages, with symptoms appearing only after significant progression. Many patients are diagnosed late, when the condition has advanced to cirrhosis or liver failure.
Dr. Sonal Asthana, Senior Consultant – HPB and Liver Transplant, stressed that routine liver function tests alone are insufficient.
He recommended comprehensive screening, including blood tests, ultrasound, and, where required, FibroScan to assess liver fat and stiffness.
In response to the rising cases, CARE Hospitals said it has adopted a multidisciplinary approach integrating gastroenterology, hepatology, critical care, and transplant services to enable early detection and treatment.
Doctors advised that individuals above 30 years—especially those with sedentary lifestyles or underlying conditions—should undergo annual liver screening.
Symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained weight gain, and abdominal fat should not be ignored.
They also cautioned against self-medication and excessive use of supplements, particularly among obese individuals who are at higher risk.
Emphasising prevention, experts said simple lifestyle changes such as balanced diets, regular exercise, limiting alcohol intake, and staying active during work hours can significantly reduce the risk.
“Liver disease may be silent—but ignoring it can be life-threatening.
Early screening is the best protection,” doctors added.
TNT TS
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