Latest news with #MetabolicDysfunction-AssociatedFattyLiverDisease
News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
Techie, 24, Doesn't Drink, But Liver is already damaged. Internet Reacts
Last Updated: A study conducted by researchers at the University of Hyderabad discovered that 84% of IT employees are affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. In a shocking turn of events, a 24-year-old techie recently opened up about facing Liver problems despite being a non-alcoholic and a non-smoker. The reason? His poor diet and lifestyle choices. But this was not the only case, as the youngster later discovered that many of his friends working at Multi-National Companies like Amazon, Google or Microsoft, among others, are facing similar health issues, which could be alarming for all the corporate employees in India. Taking to Reddit, the user claimed that Liver problems are becoming 'disturbingly common' in the corporate and advised everyone to take tests and precautions according to the requirements. He wrote, 'I'm 24, work in tech, don't drink—and my liver is already damaged. Turns out, I'm not the only one. I spoke to several of my friends, all working in different big tech companies like Google, Amazon, PhonePe and Microsoft, in different cities, living what we call 'a normal tech life.' Yet, strangely, a common thread emerged in all those conversations—most of them were going through something they never expected to face in their twenties: elevated SGPT and SGOT levels." 'Initially, I assumed it was only me. After a routine blood test revealed that my liver enzymes were slightly higher, I was concerned but thought it was an isolated case. However, when I casually brought it up in conversations—over coffee breaks, the team calls, or over a weekend trip—I was surprised to hear comments like- Same here or I've also been requested to repeat my LFT," the post continued. He further added that most of the employees are in their mid-20s, which is 'supposedly their Physical peak' but have already been warned to take care of their liver, cut down oil, avoid processed food and reduce stress. 'It's become disturbingly common. The majority of us don't even drink or smoke heavily—yet our medical reports tell a different story," he added. Furthermore, the post highlighted the unhealthy lifestyle choices of youngsters these days due to the hectic work culture. He continued, 'We're often sitting for 10-12 hours a day, ordering in food because we're too tired to cook, skipping meals between back-to-back meetings, and sleeping poorly because of late-night screen time. When you combine caffeine, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle, you have the perfect storm for what doctors now refer to as NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)." However, the user also marked significant measures for those dealing with liver problems. The post further reads, 'I've seen friends bounce back in just a few weeks with simple shifts-home-cooked food, 30 minutes of walking daily, hydration, fixed sleep, and conscious screen time reduction. What matters is catching it early and taking it seriously." Previously, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) discovered that 84 per cent of IT employees are affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), a condition linked to prolonged sitting, work stress, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
India's new urban worry — rising overnutrition
A recent article in Nature that studied the prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) among IT employees in Hyderabad had alarming findings: 84% of the participants had fatty liver, indicating MAFLD, and 71% were obese. This striking statistic underscores a larger, more insidious public health crisis that is emerging in tandem with the growth of India's urban economy. The underlying drivers are chronic stress, excess salt intake, disrupted sleep patterns, and prolonged sedentary routines, particularly among those in the technology sector. IT companies often tether employees to their desks by offering free kiosks stocked with snacks that fall short of nutritional standards. Urban India's crisis India is grappling with a paradoxical nutritional landscape. While undernutrition remains a concern in many regions, overnutrition is now rapidly escalating in urban centres. In 2021, India ranked second globally in overweight and obesity prevalence. The trend is particularly evident in metropolitan IT corridors, where professionals are unwittingly becoming the face of a silent metabolic crisis. India's double burden of malnutrition — rampant undernutrition coexisting with overnutrition — is reflected in its low ranking on the Global Hunger Index. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) were responsible for 74% of global deaths in 2019 (it was 61% in 2000). These diseases disproportionately affect low- and middle-income countries, including India. WHO's 2024 World Health Statistics warns that NCDs and obesity are increasingly prevalent in the most economically productive segment of society. Without substantial policy interventions, regions such as South-East Asia are unlikely to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) targets to reduce premature mortality from NCDs. In Tamil Nadu, the 2023-24 STEPS Survey paints a stark picture: over 65% of deaths in Chennai are attributable to NCDs. While the NCD cascade of care has shown improvement, there are significant gaps. Among those receiving treatment for hypertension, only 16% have achieved blood pressure control, and for individuals aged 18-44, this drops to just 9.3%. Among diabetics in the same age group, only 9.8% manage to maintain glycaemic control. The prevalence of overweight and obesity stands at 31.6% and 14.2%, respectively. Additionally, 94.2% of respondents reported inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption, while 24.4% reported insufficient physical activity. Tamil Nadu's Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM) programme, deserves mention for its multisectoral approach to NCD control. From January 2024, 3,79,635 employees have been screened through workplace interventions. The eight-kilometre health walk and the 'Eat Right Challenge' were introduced to encourage behavioural change and nutrition awareness. However, the unchecked growth of fast food outlets in metros remains a formidable obstacle. The National Family Health Survey-5 shows that obesity steadily rises with age, from 7% among men (15-19 years) to 32% among those aged 40 to 49 years. The prevalence of overweight or obesity rises from 10% in the lowest wealth quintile to 37% in the highest wealth quintile. The widespread prevalence of overweight and obesity across age groups and income levels underscores that this is not an isolated occupational hazard, but a population-wide health crisis in the making. These trends align closely with data for women. Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), another NCD risk marker, also increases with age: 46% to 65% in women and 28% to 60% in men (ages 15 to 49). In Tamil Nadu, urban areas report a higher NCD prevalence when compared to rural areas. Overweight or obesity affects 46.1% of urban men and 43.1% of urban women, compared to 35.4% and 31.6%, respectively, in rural areas. The 18 to 59 age bracket which contributes to Tamil Nadu's majority working force is most vulnerable to early-onset NCDs, also compounded by a growing dependence on ultra-processed foods, alongside other established factors. A Lancet article (2025) estimates that India's overweight and obese adult population could touch 450 million by 2050 (180 million in 2021). Simultaneously, childhood obesity has surged by 244% over the past three decades and is expected to climb another 121% in the next three. Focus on manufacturing and marketing While nutrition awareness at the consumer level is growing, it remains insufficient. The greater responsibility lies with regulators, producers, and policymakers. The market is saturated with ultra-processed foods that offer convenience but little in the way of nourishment. Consumers are frequently left choosing from options that are inherently unhealthy. To address this, the Eat Right India movement, led by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), promotes safe, healthy, and sustainable food. It includes hygiene ratings, certification programmes, and campaigns such as 'Aaj Se Thoda Kam,' which encourages consumers to gradually reduce their intake of fat, sugar, and salt. In partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Nutrition, the FSSAI advocates labelling high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) foods, empowering consumers to make informed choices. In 2022, the FSSAI proposed the Health Star Rating (HSR) aimed at clearer nutritional information on packaged foods. However, the HSR system has sparked debate among medical practitioners and nutrition experts, on its effectiveness. The Supreme Court of India recently directed an FSSAI-constituted expert committee to submit scientific and technical advice on food safety matters, which includes recommendations on food labelling norms. However, these efforts must be backed by stricter enforcement and broader multisectoral coordination. Nutritional regulation must extend beyond messaging campaigns to influence what is manufactured, marketed and made available. The Saudi Arabian model Saudi Arabia offers a compelling model. As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, the kingdom has embedded NCD prevention into its national policy framework. It enforces calorie labelling in restaurants, imposes a 50% excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, and levies a 100% tax on energy drinks. It has instituted sodium limits in processed foods. Saudi Arabia is among the few nations meeting WHO's sodium reduction best practices and recognised for eliminating trans fats. Its success lies in the coherence of its strategy — integrating health, regulatory oversight, industry compliance, and civic engagement. Meanwhile, India's urban landscape continues to evolve rapidly. Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Chennai have become economic engines, powered by the technology sector. To accommodate global operations, IT companies are embracing flexible and extended work hours. This transition has resulted in a considerable rise in demand for late-night eateries, cloud kitchens, and food delivery services. However, the vast majority of these offerings are energy-dense, nutrient-poor food products. As a nightlife culture expands in parallel with economic ambitions, so too does the risk of a nutrition-driven public health crisis. While the numbers among IT professionals are eye-catching, the escalating burden of NCDs extends well beyond this sector. The message is clear: reversing the tide of NCDs demands not just awareness but action. Regulatory reforms, especially those addressing the food industry, are imperative. Imposing taxes on foods high in sugar and salt — or those failing to meet nutritional standards — could be a logical next step. After all, if there is one thing India has never shied away from, it is introducing new taxes. Why not one that promotes health? Dr. A. Chandiran Joseph is a doctor who is currently pursuing his post-graduation in community medicine in Chennai. The views expressed are personal
Indian Express
27-04-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
With 53%, Chandigarh has highest prevalence of fatty liver disease'
Chandigarh has recorded the highest prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in the country, with 53.5 per cent of adults affected, significantly above the national average of 38 per cent, revealed a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology. Marking World Liver Day 2025, senior doctors at Paras Health Panchkula expressed concern over the rising incidence of fatty liver disease, particularly among children and young adults. The trend is being driven by increasingly unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of awareness about liver health. In response, the hospital has introduced a dedicated liver OPD to provide focused care for patients suffering from conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. 'We are seeing serious liver issues even in non-drinkers, primarily due to the rising consumption of junk food high in fat and sugar,' said Dr Rakesh Kochhar, director, Gastroenterology, Paras Health Panchkula, and former professor at PGIMER. 'MAFLD has emerged as a silent epidemic. Most patients remain asymptomatic until significant liver damage occurs.' MAFLD, earlier known as NAFLD, is characterised by fat accumulation of over 5 per cent in the liver in the absence of alcohol consumption. Experts warned that it often goes undetected without routine screening. 'People who are obese, diabetic or follow unhealthy diets should undergo regular liver check-ups. If left untreated, MAFLD can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer,' said Dr Mohnish Kataria, senior consultant, Gastroenterology. The doctors also cautioned against self-medication and unregulated herbal remedies, advocating lifestyle modifications and timely diagnosis as the most effective tools for liver disease prevention. 'Keeping the liver healthy is essential for a better quality of life,' added Kochhar. Ajay Duseja, head, Hepatology Department, PGIMER, said that research suggests that the MAFLD diagnosis should not be based solely on body mass index (BMI), as it is not a reliable indicator of disease risk. 'This condition can be just as severe in lean individuals as in overweight patients, and should be taken seriously and regular checkups are essential.' Fatty liver has become a lifestyle disorder, making it crucial to follow a healthy routine. Cases of fatty liver are also increasing in children due to decreased physical activity, and experts suggest maintaining a healthy diet, doing exercise; avoiding junk food and alcohol consumption. They also recommend not ignoring symptoms like lethargy, abdominal pain, fatigue, and scheduling liver checkups, with an ultrasound. 'The liver plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and supporting immunity, digestion, and metabolism. Any compromise in liver function can severely impact not just the digestive system, but also the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. One of the growing concerns affecting liver health today is excessive fat accumulation, which can silently progress to serious complications if left unnoticed,' said Dr Gurbakshish Singh Sidhu, principal consultant gastroenterology at Max Hospital Mohali. Some of the most common symptoms of liver disease include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss. Sidhu suggested that regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, which is low in fat and sugar, and high in fibre, can significantly reduce the risk of liver damage.
