Increase in fatty liver cases among young Indians. Can it be reversed?
A recent study found that 80 percent of IT professionals in India have fatty liver, due to work pressure, a sedentary lifestyle and a bad lifestyle option.
In short
- Fatty liver cases are increasing in India, especially among the youth
- Lifestyle changes are associated with increase in fatty liver cases
- But experts suggested in most cases, fatty liver can be reversed.
For the 24 -year -old working professional Ashna Gupta of Delhi NCR, his fatty liver was discovered by an accident. She met a gynecologist due to acute pain in her lower abdomen, which was caused by a UTI. However, during the scan, which only confirmed that he had PCOD (a more growing concern among women), it was also discovered that he had grade 1 fatty liver.
“I have comparatively better lifestyles, only sometimes with deception food and alcohol,” she says, still surprised by diagnosis. He had a more shocking doctor’s accidental reaction. “It’s nothing to panic; In fact, it is very common. I look at countless patients with fatty liver almost every day, especially the youth, ”doctors say.
Ashna’s story is not unique. Today many youths are knowing that they have fatty liver which is purely accident. But even after diagnosis, most brush it on one side until it is too late.
Both experts and data also agree with this trend. Director of Gastroenterology and Hepatobili Sciences at Metro Hospital, Faridabad. Says Vishal Khurana, “Fatty liver cases are often conquered during regular health screening, showing some forms of fatty liver with 30–40 percent of the population.”
A recent study found that 80 percent of IT professionals in India have a fatty liver due to work pressure, a sedentary lifestyle and a bad lifestyle alternative.
Another study in 2021, Meta-analysis of 62 data sets from 50 studies on NAFLD (non-alcohol fatty liver disease), was published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology, which found that India has 38 percent of adults, with 53.5 percent of the largest share in 38 percent of adults. The prevalence in children was 35 percent.
Understanding Fatty Lever, its stages and nafld
Let us explain the difference between these diseases before the liver disease comes into the Nitti-Gritti and why there is a sudden jump in cases, as they can be misleading.
Fatty liver disease is a condition where excessive fat is formed in the liver, and can be classified into two types: drug fatty liver disease (AFLD) and non-contact fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is more common among youth like Ashna, especially with metabolic disorders.
Dr. Sanjeev Sagal, Principal Director and Head of Lever Transplant and Bile Sciences, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endoscopy at Max Super Specialty Hospitals, Sacket, suggests that fatty liver progresses, “Fatty liver itself is not very dangerous, but it can move through four stages: Fatty lever can be reversed, but once it can be reversed, but once it is developed, but once it developed, the damage, but once it is developed, the damage, but once it is developed, the damage, but once it is developed. Is permanent.
NAFLD is strongly attached to metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
Why growth?
The increasing number of fatty liver cases is directly associated with changes in lifestyle and dietary habits. Dr. Holy Hanchannail, hepatologist, liver transplant physician and gastroenterologist, ruby hall clinic, in Pune, credits this increase for excessive consumption of stubborn habits, fatty and fast food and increase alcohol intake.
“This is completely due to a major change in lifestyle, which has affected the health of these youth. They are not exercising. The tendency to live indoors, stay on computer, play on iPads or study indoors has had a major effect. Dr. Sayal says, “The normal practice of going out for hours in the fields is actually reduced.

Second, Dr. Siggle mentions how the patterns of food have changed in online delivery from traditional home-covered food. “While studying, junk food and snacks at midnight, just sitting on the computer, and often ordering food habits leads to high intake of junk food, which is not usually good quality in terms of nutritional materials. These dietary habits, including more fat, more trans fats and less healthy nutrients, belong to them. If I had to give some name, I would say pizza, burger, and so on. These things are really impressing the lives of children, ”he says.
He further states that regular health check -ups have played a role in identifying more cases, stating, “More patients are being diagnosed during regular examination, stating that fatty liver is a growing concern in all age groups.”
Dr. Khurana says that metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes have increased, which has contributed to the increasing spread of NAFLD.
What other reasons are there?
According to experts, many factors contribute to fatty liver, with lifestyle being a major driver. Dr. Khurana lists other common causes, such as:
- Obesity and metabolic syndrome
- Consumption of high sugar and processed food
- alcohol abuse
- Some medicines and underlying conditions such as hepatitis C and autoimmune diseases
Dr. Hononnell agrees and says that genetics may be a contribution factor, “some genes, such as PNPLA3, especially in the Asian population, increase sensitivity to fatty liver.”
How to know if you have a fatty liver?
Fatty liver disease is often called “silent disease” for a cause. The disease may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, as it moves forward, some signs may indicate liver problems. Some common symptoms, Nausheen Sheikh, Nutritionist and according to the Dietary Advisor in Elway Health, include:
- Constant fatigue and weakness
- Anchoria
- Unexplained weight loss
- Stomach inflammation
- Jaundice
- Dark urine and yellow stool
In addition, according to Nausheen, there are various tests that can take to understand the severity of their liver disease:
- Liver Function Test (LFTS): Liver enzyme levels measures to assess liver health
- Ultrasound or Fibroskain: Fat accumulation and helps to detect liver stiffness
- Blood test (fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, HBA1C): Identify risk factors such as insulin resistance and high cholesterol
- MRI or CT Scan: Provides detailed imaging for more accurate diagnosis in advanced cases
Can fatty liver be really reversed?
If found out quickly, fatty liver can be reversed. Dr. Siggle assures, “It passes through four steps (as we told you). It begins with fatty liver, then a state of hepatitis, which is inflammation, then fibrosis, and end cirrhosis.
However, he mentions that if you have cirrhosis, the damage is usually permanent.
Now, if you have seen it in early stages (before cirrhosis), Dr. Vishal Khurana and Dr. Holy Hanchenle recommends the following lifestyle modifications to help in reverse the damage done to your liver:
Dietary change
- Reduce junk food and processed foods in trans fats.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, fiber and healthy fats.
- Cut on sophisticated carbohydrates and sugars drinks.
- Increase the intake of green vegetables and whole grains.
- Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol.
physical activity
- Attach five days a week to an exercise of at least 30-45 minutes.

- Include a mixture of aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.
- Shakti training can also help manage weight and metabolism.
weight management
- Losing 3-5% of body weight can reduce liver fat significantly.
- A 10% decrease in body weight can help in inflammation and early fibrosis.
Other lifestyle modifications
- Avoid reusing cooking oils, as they produce harmful trans fats.
- Manage conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
- Some drugs can help, but they are effective with only lifestyle changes.
- Drinking black coffee in moderation is shown to support liver health.
“There is a fitted liver, not a fatty liver. The best treatment is prevention through a healthy lifestyle,” Dr. The conclusion of the Siggle is.