Once considered a condition for the elderly, non -alcoholic liver disease (Nafld) Now affects young adults in India more and more, in particular those of the sedentary professions, posing a major public health challenge.
Non -alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), now reclassified as a steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MASLD), is becoming a major health problem in young Indians, in particular those involved in sedentary professions. Recent studies indicate a strong increase in prevalence, lifestyle factors such as prolonged session, bad eating habits and lack of physical activity are the main contributors.
“A study by the University of Hyderabad revealed that more than 80% IT professionals suffer from masld, with 71% classified as obese and 34% diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. These results highlight the impact of sedentary work environments and unhealthy lifestyles on liver health. “Dr. Ankur Garg, director and principal consultant, Center for Liver-Gi Diseases and Transplantation (CLDT), Aakash Healthcare.
The high prevalence of Masld among IT professionals is an alarm clock. The combination of long hours of work, physical inactivity and poor food choices is wreaking havoc on younger labor.
Silent progression
NAFLD often develops quietly, with fats gradually accumulating in the liver. In his early stages, he cannot cause any notable symptoms, which makes detection without medical screening difficult. However, the disease can degenerate from non -alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis or even liver cancer if it is not treated.
“The liver is a resilient organ, but this resilience often means that damage go unnoticed until it is too late. Dr Amit Miglani, Director and Hod – Gastroenterology, Asian Hospital.
Not just obesity
While obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol remain current risk factors, doctors observe an increasing number of NAFLD cases in non -obese people. This emerging trend indicates the multifactorial nature of the disease, with genetics, insulin resistance and critical roles playing visceral fats.
“Foie gras is no longer a disease confined to those who are overweight or diabetic. We now diagnose young healthy professionals who barely show symptoms until the condition is at an advanced stage. Many of our patients with foie gras have a normal BMI but still show signs of metabolic dysfunction. Hepatic transplantation surgeon, Jupiter hospital.
Lifestyle
Experts agree that the modern sedentary lifestyle is a major contributor to this increase. The prolonged session, the lack of exercise and the regimes rich in processed foods all contribute to the accumulation of fat in the liver. These habits are particularly widespread among young urban people in India, whose working days are dominated by minimum screens and physical movements.
“Sedentary behavior reduces insulin sensitivity, leading to insulin resistance – one of the main engines of NAFLD. Unfortunately, our current work culture encourages long hours at the offices without regard to movement or nutrition. ” Addition of Dr Ankur Garg.
The brain of the intestinal liver
Emerging research suggests that fatty liver diseases, especially at its advanced stages, can have a deep impact on neurological health. The liver plays an essential role in filtering blood toxins, and when its function is compromised, harmful substances like ammonia can accumulate and affect brain function, said Dr. Praveen Gupta, principal director and chief of neurology, said the Fortis hospital.
“There is more and more the evidence that the axis of the intestinal brain is significantly affected in patients with NAFLD. When liver health deteriorates, this can cause subtle but chronic neurological disturbances which often go unnoticed until they aggravate as memory discounts, concentration difficulties, slow reflection, mood changes, irritability or depression Produce, sleep patterns.
Call for early detection and prevention
Health experts urge primary care providers to integrate liver function tests in routine health checks, especially for those with risk factors. Political decision -makers are also called upon to support public health awareness campaigns and finance research initiatives to better understand the propagation and impact of NAFLD in the various populations of India.
“We must drop from the attention of prevention treatment. Lifestyle changes As 30 minutes of daily exercise, reducing transformed food consumption and consumption of rimes richer in fibers can greatly help prevent liver disease. »Dr Aakaar Kapoor, CEO and chief medical advisor City Xray and Scan Clinic PVT Ltd.
While the young people of India are faced with the consequences of an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, the experts underline that the time to act is now. Early intervention, lifestyle changes and regular medical controls could help limit the growing load of gratl liver diseases before becoming an irreversible crisis.