India's Alarming Surge in Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Crisis | Quick Digest

India's Alarming Surge in Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Crisis | Quick Digest
India is experiencing an alarming surge in fatty liver disease, now known as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), with a significant increase in prevalence. Affecting approximately 38% of adults and 35% of children, India ranks among the top three globally for the highest increase in cases between 2010 and 2021, driven by poor lifestyle choices.

Fatty liver disease prevalence in India is approximately 38% among adults.

Around 35% of Indian children are also affected by fatty liver disease.

India ranks third globally in the increase of fatty liver cases (2010-2021).

Poor lifestyle, obesity, and diabetes are major drivers of the surge.

The disease, now termed MASLD, is often silent but can lead to severe complications.

Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial for reversal and prevention.

India is grappling with an alarming rise in fatty liver disease, now scientifically termed Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which has become a significant public health concern. Recent data indicates that approximately 38% of the adult Indian population is afflicted with this condition, underscoring its widespread prevalence. What's particularly concerning is that this 'silent epidemic' is not limited to adults, with nearly 35% of Indian children also suffering from fatty liver disease. Between 2010 and 2021, India recorded a 13.2 percent increase in age-standardized prevalence of MASLD, positioning it just behind China (16.9%) and Sudan (13.3%) for the sharpest rise globally in this period. This rapid increase highlights a critical health challenge for the nation. Experts attribute this surge primarily to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary patterns characterized by increased consumption of processed foods and sugary beverages, and the rising rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes. MASLD, which involves excessive fat accumulation in liver cells, often progresses silently without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. If left unaddressed, it can lead to severe complications such as inflammation (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and even liver cancer, contributing significantly to non-communicable disease deaths in India. While the headline's 'global top 3' claim accurately reflects India's rank in the *increase* of prevalence, it's crucial to clarify this nuance to avoid misinterpretation regarding overall prevalence. Credible sources, including studies cited in JAMA and AIIMS, corroborate the severity of the issue, emphasizing the urgent need for public awareness, early screening, and significant lifestyle interventions to mitigate this growing health crisis.
Read the full story on Quick Digest