In Agenda Aaj Tak, top liver specialist Dr SK Sarin said that health should be given priority over money while considering marriage. During one session, the hepatologist urged people to focus on genetic and lifestyle health risks rather than just land or property they might inherit from a partner.

Dr. Sarin stressed the importance of a “gene horoscope”, a detailed genetic profile, which he said should be given priority even before a horoscope. He explained that understanding one’s genetic predisposition can help identify risks for conditions such as high blood pressure, heart disease, cancer, stroke or sudden death.

“In marriages, we often see money or property, but rarely consider what diseases we may inherit,” said Dr. Sarin, who half-jokingly suggested that people One should ask for simple health tests like ALT or SGPT, Liver function test before getting into a relationship. ,

ALT (alanine aminotransferase) and SGPT (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase) are the major liver enzymes tested to assess liver health. If these enzymes are elevated, it may indicate liver inflammation, damage, or conditions such as fatty liver or hepatitis.

Dr. Sarin suggested getting a simple blood test done to measure these enzymes, which could cost only Rs 10. Normal ranges are usually below 40 U/L (international units per liter).

He also advocated creating a family health tree to trace inherited health conditions. “This predictive approach gives you a 10-15 year lead in managing your health,” he said.

lifestyle factors

Highlighting a recent study, Dr. Sarin revealed worrying statistics about young adults in Delhi. In a survey of 23,000 college students aged 18–25, about 68% of women were physically inactive, with many showing signs of obesity. Among men, only 45% engaged in daily physical activity such as walking for at least 40 minutes.

“Walking is not exercise, it’s just a warm-up,” Dr. Sarin explained, urging people to aim for more intense physical activity as measured by METs (metabolic equivalents). Resting corresponds to a MET score of 1, brisk walking is a MET score of 3, and effective exercise starts at a MET score of 6, which includes sweating.

Dr. Sarin suggested a simple formula for maintaining a healthy weight: height in centimeters minus ideal weight in kilograms, with women aiming for slightly less. For those who have a family history of genetic diseases, he recommended losing an additional 5 kg.

“Take small steps, from walking to brisk walking and eventually running,” advises Dr. Sarin. He said that prioritizing health is the key to building a strong future.