Healthy outside, sick inside: The hidden danger of fatty liver
In today's fast-paced life, it's easy to overlook what we can't feel. Fatty liver is one such condition — often silent, commonly missed, and rapidly becoming one of India's most widespread health issues.
It is estimated that nearly one in three urban Indians may have fatty liver disease without being aware of it.
What is fatty liver and why should you care?
Fatty liver, now increasingly referred to as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), occurs when fat accumulates excessively within liver cells. While a small amount of fat is normal, too much can impair liver function and lead to long-term complications like inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
Most patients do not experience any symptoms. The condition is usually discovered during routine checkups or imaging tests done for other reasons, — making early detection even more critical.
Who is at risk of fatty liver?
Are you overweight? Do you have a sedentary lifestyle? Do you often consume junk food or sugar-sweetened beverages? If yes, you may be at risk. Fatty liver is no longer a disease of the elderly or those who consume alcohol. It is increasingly found in non-drinkers, young adults, and even teenagers, — largely due to poor lifestyle habits.
Those with diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure are particularly vulnerable.
Zydus recently launched #LiverKiSuno, a public awareness initiative aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle habits for better liver health. Such campaigns play a vital role in increasing awareness about liver-related conditions and educating the public on effective prevention and management strategies.
How does fatty liver progress over time?
Can a little fat in the liver really harm you? The answer is yes.
If not addressed early, fatty liver can silently progress over the years from a mild stage to serious liver damage. This damage may not be reversible in advanced stages and can ultimately lead to liver failure or cancer. That's why early diagnosis and lifestyle modification are the best ways to protect your liver.
What can you do to reverse fatty liver?
Is fatty liver treatable? Absolutely — especially in its early stages, and the first step is not a pill, but a lifestyle change.
Exercise is key. Brisk walking, cycling, or swimming for at least 30–45 minutes most days of the week can significantly reduce liver fat. Gradual weight loss is effective — even losing 5 to 10 percent of body weight can make a measurable difference. Equally important is diet. Avoid junk food and ultra-processed items like chips, biscuits, and sugary drinks.
Cut down on refined carbs like white bread and fried foods. Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and home-cooked meals rich in fibere and low in saturated fats.
Sleep also plays a vital role. Studies show that sleeping less than 6 hours regularly can worsen insulin resistance and liver health. Aim for a good 7 hours of quality sleep every night.
Should you get tested?
If you're at risk — even without symptoms — it's wise to get screened. A simple ultrasound and basic liver function tests can help detect fatty liver early. The Liver Never Complains — Until It's Too Late. Your liver quietly performs over 500 essential functions every day.
It digests food, stores energy, filters toxins, and keeps you alive — all without making a sound. Don't wait for a problem to show up. Start today. Eat clean.
Move more. Sleep well. And take charge of your liver health before it's too late.
Author:
Dr Rajiv Mehta
Consultant Liver Specialist
SIDS Hospital and Research Centre
Surat
The above is non-editorial content and TIL does not guarantee, vouch or endorse any of it. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified.
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