Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An acute menace and a silent killer

Economic Times

7 days ago

Fatty liver disease was once considered a relatively rare and benign condition. It now has become one of the most pressing public health concerns.
The reasons are simple enough — rising rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. While alcohol is a known risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver is also more prevalent now. Fatty liver is now classified as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), mainly driven by obesity, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia—not alcohol alone.
What makes it particularly alarming is how it often goes unnoticed — many individuals discover they have fatty liver only when imaging is done for unrelated reasons.
Imaging is crucial for early detection, identifying liver issues that blood tests may not detect early. In 2024, 2.5 lakh individuals were screened, of which 65% had fatty liver. Notably, 52% had normal liver enzyme levels, according to Apollo Hospitals Health of the Nation Report 2025. Hepatologists say patients often come in for fatigue and mild abdominal discomfort. What appears to be a minor issue turns out to be stage-2 NAFLD.
Worse still, this condition is no longer just a concern for the middle-aged or the obese — even teenagers are showing early signs of fatty liver due to diets high in processed foods and sugary drinks. A study in the US involving adolescents revealed that nearly 10% had some form of fatty liver changes, often linked to soft drink consumption and a lack of physical activity. What's particularly concerning is the long-term trajectory: Fatty liver can quietly progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer without any obvious symptoms.These silent developments underscore the need for early screening, public awareness, and a shift in lifestyle choices. Today, watching for fatty liver isn't just a medical necessity — it's a cultural wake-up call.
Eat nutrient-rich food: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil; Omega-3 from salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds; black coffee or green tea: 2–3 cups/day (unsweetened); healthy snacking via dark chocolate with nuts, dates with walnuts, Greek yogurt with berries, lean proteins, healthy fats.
Avoid processed, sugary, fast foods and fried foods. That means colas, sodas, and candies are a no. Avoid white bread, pastries, red meat, processed meats, trans and saturated fats.
Work out regularly: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate or 75 minutes a week of intense activity. Aim for 40 minutes a day for six days a wee.
Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can help.
Avoid alcohol and certain medications like statins and corticosteroids.
Control blood sugar and cholesterol.
What is
Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat (more than 5–10% of the liver's weight) accumulates in liver cells.
What does the liver do? It detoxifies the body, produces essential proteins, and helps digest fats.
What does fatty liver do?
With a rise in fat buildup, liver cells can become inflamed and scarred — impairing its vital functions.
Why is fatty liver a big deal?
Three reasons: It is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes; it can affect even non-drinkers (ergo, non-alcoholic); and it often goes undiagnosed until significant damage has occurred.
What are the symptoms?
Most people have no symptoms in the early stages. Detected accidentally via ultrasound or blood tests. In advanced stages, symptoms and complications include fatigue, abdominal pain (right upper side, enlarged liver, jaundice (in severe cases).
What are the complications of fatty liver?
Fibrosis - scarring; cirrhosis - severe liver damage; liver cancer (rare but possible).