Understanding the Surge in Fatty Liver Disease Among Young Adults

A Silent Threat on the Rise

Feeling tired or a bit uncomfortable? Don’t ignore it. Doctors in Bengaluru are warning that these signs could point to a serious issue: fatty liver disease. Specifically, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming more common.

The Alarming Increase

Since COVID-19, hospitals in Bengaluru have seen a 30% rise in NAFLD cases. Young adults in their 20s and 30s are most affected. This condition is linked to poor lifestyle choices, such as:

• Sitting for long hours at work
• Eating too much processed food
• Skipping meals or eating at irregular times
• Not getting enough physical activity

What the Experts Say

Dr. Santhosh Kumar S C, a gastroenterology expert at Fortis Hospital, explains:

“We’ve seen a sharp rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We now have over 10 patients daily. The main reason is obesity.”

NAFLD affects people from all walks of life. Anyone with a sedentary lifestyle is at risk. This includes people who sit for long hours, like paan stall workers, autorickshaw drivers, and cab drivers.

Types of Fatty Liver Disease

There are two main types of fatty liver disease:

• Alcoholic fatty liver
• Non-alcoholic fatty liver

While alcoholic fatty liver was more common in the past, now people who drink little or no alcohol are being diagnosed. This is due to diets high in carbs, lack of activity, and sitting for too long.

More Than Just Fat

Dr. Harshavardhan Rao B, head of medical gastroenterology at Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, states:

“Fatty liver isn’t just about fat. It’s a warning sign for your metabolism. It’s now called metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This reflects the combined impact of diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, high cholesterol, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and even stress.”

After the pandemic, many people switched to a sedentary work-from-home lifestyle. They relied on takeout food and faced longer working hours. This pushed physical and mental health to the back seat. As a result, more people are being diagnosed with fatty liver during routine scans.

How It Progresses and How to Prevent It

MAFLD often progresses in stages:

• Fat builds up in the liver
• Inflammation occurs
• Fibrosis develops
• Cirrhosis sets in
• Cancer may develop

Many patients show no symptoms until liver damage is already underway. However, the condition is often reversible in its early stages. Changes in diet, increased physical activity, regular sleep, and health checks can prevent progression.

Who’s at High Risk?

Dr. Vinay Kumar B R, a hepatologist at Narayana Health City, notes:

“In Bengaluru, especially among IT professionals and those with desk jobs, we see a significant rise in both diabetes and fatty liver. It’s now common to find some degree of fatty liver in two to three out of every five patients during routine scans or blood tests.”

Dr. Balaji Gurrappa, a gastroenterology expert at Kauvery Hospital, adds:

“In women, Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and the use of hormonal pills can also increase the risk.”

How to Protect Yourself

• Keep a healthy weight
• Eat a balanced diet
• Stay active
• Manage health conditions like diabetes
• Limit or avoid alcohol

Key Risk Factors

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Poor lifestyle choices