Rising concern: Once linked to older adults, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—now termed Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)—is increasingly affecting India’s urban youth, especially those in desk-bound jobs like IT.
Startling stats: A University of Hyderabad study found that 80% of IT professionals show signs of MASLD. Among them, 71% are obese, and 34% have metabolic syndrome, highlighting a growing health emergency in sedentary workplaces.
Quiet and dangerous: Often symptomless in early stages, MASLD progresses silently but can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer. By the time symptoms like fatigue or abdominal discomfort appear, serious damage may have already occurred, warns Dr. Amit Miglani.
Not just an obese issue: Alarmingly, non-obese individuals are also being diagnosed, due to factors like genetic predisposition, insulin resistance, and visceral fat. “Even people with normal BMI are showing signs,” says Dr. Abhishek Yadav.
Core culprit – lifestyle: Prolonged sitting, low physical activity, and diets loaded with processed food are primary causes. Dr. Ankur Garg emphasizes that reduced insulin sensitivity from sedentary behavior is a major driver of liver dysfunction.
Brain impact: According to Dr. Praveen Gupta, liver malfunction can affect the gut-liver-brain axis, causing cognitive issues like memory loss, mood swings, poor focus, and sleep disturbances.
What’s needed: Experts urge early screening, public health campaigns, and preventive lifestyle changes—like daily exercise and healthier diets—to curb the MASLD epidemic before it’s too late.
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