Latest news with #WorldLiverDay
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.
NDTV
21-04-2025
- Health
- NDTV
"Achieved Big Change Since 2019...": Amit Shah's World Liver Day Message
New Delhi: On World Liver Day Union Home Minister Amit Shah said he turned around his health and capacity to work over the past few years by ensuring the right amount of sleep and type of nutrition, and ensuring he remains hydrated and gets regular exercise. Speaking at an event at Delhi's Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences he called on young men and women to get at least two hours of exercise and six hours of sleep daily for good health. "I have achieved a very big change since May 2019 till now. By having the right amount of sleep, pure water, food, and exercise, I have achieved much in life. In the last four-and-a-half years, I have become free from all allopathic medicines," he said. Mr Shah said this had helped his capacity to work, think, and make decisions. The minister inaugurated an Integrated Liver Rehabilitation Centre at the facility and also visited a gallery showcasing informative cartoons around the theme of liver health. A healthy liver enhances overall well-being. Glimpses from the 'Healthy Liver-Healthy India' programme organised by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Science on World Liver Day. — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) April 20, 2025 "I enjoy cartoons, including those based on me," he said in a lighter vein and lauded ILBS Director Dr S Sareen for initiatives taken by the institute in creating awareness on liver health. The Home Minister also urged corporate houses to publicise the importance of liver health and support institutes working in the field of liver treatment and research. He said schemes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi government, such as Khelo India, as well as initiatives to ensure drinking water and toilets were directly associated with overall health. The Home Minister pointed to increase in the national health budget - from Rs 37,000 crore in 2014 to Rs 1.27 lakh crore in 2025 - and said the PM's leadership had created a holistic system of healthcare.
News18
21-04-2025
- Health
- News18
Amit Shah Reveals His Simple Secret to Fitness: Sleep, Eat, Exercise, Repeat
Last Updated: Union Home Minister Amit Shah opened up about his personal fitness journey, sharing how simple lifestyle changes like better sleep, clean eating, and daily exercise helped him transform his health and ditch all allopathic medicines Union Home Minister Amit Shah opened up about his personal fitness and weight-loss journey during his speech on World Liver Day, April 19, at an event hosted by the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) in Delhi. In his address, Shah encouraged the youth of India to place greater emphasis on their health and well-being. Amit Shah's Health Transformation: A Personal Journey Shah shared his personal health transformation story, attributing his success to simple yet impactful lifestyle changes. He revealed that a key part of his wellness journey involved adopting a better sleep routine, improving his diet, drinking clean water, and incorporating regular exercise. Reflecting on his progress, he noted, 'Since May 2019, I have made tremendous strides. Proper sleep, clean water, nutritious food, and consistent exercise have brought about a significant change in my life. In the last 4.5 years, I've completely weaned off all allopathic medicines," he stated proudly. A Fitness Mantra for the Nation Shah emphasized that his journey not only led to physical transformation but also enhanced his mental clarity. He mentioned that his newfound health has improved his ability to work, think critically, and make decisions. His message to the public was clear: 'I encourage everyone to prioritize their physical and mental health. Dedicate two hours to exercise for your body, and six hours of sleep for your mind. This has been my personal experience, and it has made all the difference." By sharing his journey, Shah hopes to inspire others to adopt healthier lifestyles, proving that simple changes can lead to lasting results. First Published: April 21, 2025, 18:13 IST
New Indian Express
21-04-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Fatty liver disease is preventable, reversible through healthy lifestyle choices: JP Nadda
NEW DELHI: Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday said that fatty liver disease is not only preventable but also reversible through healthy lifestyle choices and better nutrition. Underlining the importance of liver health at a pledge-taking ceremony on liver health, he said that 'Fatty liver not only impacts liver function but also significantly increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.' However, he said, the good news is that fatty liver is preventable and, to a great extent, reversible through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and healthy food habits. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) - a condition where excess fat accumulates in the liver, not caused by heavy alcohol consumption - is emerging as an important cause of liver disease in India. It is assuming a silent epidemic with community prevalence ranging from 9% to 32%, depending on age, gender, area of residence and socioeconomic status. Describing the liver as the most vital organ of the body, Nadda said, it performs essential functions like digestion, detoxification, and energy storage. 'If the liver is not healthy, the entire body suffers.' Nadda at the liver health camp also urged citizens to prioritise liver care. Emphasising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address in "Mann Ki Baat," in which he appealed to the nation to reduce oil usage in cooking by at least 10%, Nadda said, 'This small yet powerful step can go a long way in ensuring better liver health and in reducing the burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the country.' He called upon everyone to take the pledge for 'taking care of liver health, get it checked regularly, and adopt a healthy lifestyle.' He stressed that simple daily changes, including regular physical activity and mindful eating, can protect liver health. Marking World Liver Day under the theme 'Food is Medicine,' the health ministry, in collaboration with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), organised a liver health camp for officials and ministry staff. FSSAI set up an educational exhibition promoting millets and liver-friendly foods. Experts highlighted how fibre-rich millets aid bile production, reduce inflammation, and improve digestion thereby preventing conditions like NAFLD. Other foods recommended for liver care include leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, fatty fish, nuts, citrus fruits, and healthy fats such as olive oil, known for aiding liver detoxification and overall function. At the camp, all participants pledged to make informed food choices, lead healthier lifestyles, reduce edible oil intake by at least 10% and spread awareness about fighting obesity in response to the call given by the Prime Minister.
The Hindu
21-04-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Science Quiz: On liver health
On World Liver Day, observed on April 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for efforts to make the country fitter and healthier, through steps such as raising awareness about obesity and commended the push toward mindful eating and healthier living. Science Quiz: On liver health Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit YOUR SCORE 0 /6 RETAKE THE QUIZ 1 / 6 | Let's start with a simple question. True or False: The liver is the largest internal organ in your body. DID YOU KNOW THE ANSWER? YES NO Answer : True SHOW ANSWER 2 / 6 | Apart from creating bile, a chemical that plays a crucial role in digestion, your liver also produces a blood protein that maintains the fluid balance in your blood vessels and also helps vitamins, hormones and other substances circulate throughout your body. What is it? DID YOU KNOW THE ANSWER? YES NO Answer : Albumin SHOW ANSWER 3 / 6 | When you have a problem with the liver, one of the most common symptoms, where the skin and whites of the eye turn yellow. This is because of too much ________ in the blood. DID YOU KNOW THE ANSWER? YES NO Answer : Bilirubin SHOW ANSWER 4 / 6 | One liver disease that is of increasing concern in India, is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). It often goes undiagnosed, as there are no symptoms in the early stages. Name any two risk factors for this disease. DID YOU KNOW THE ANSWER? YES NO Answer : Obesity, high blood pressure or hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, elevated triglycerides or LDL cholesterol SHOW ANSWER 5 / 6 | Viral infections such as Hepatitis A, B and C are still common in India and can cause damage to the liver. Which of the three, A, B, or C, is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth? DID YOU KNOW THE ANSWER? YES NO Answer : Hepatitis B SHOW ANSWER
