Is Junk Food Fueling Fatty Liver In Children? Experts Sound the Alarm
Fatty liver disease is no longer a distant adult concern. It's real, it's rising, and it's affecting children today, many of whom may not even show symptoms
Fatty liver disease, once seen primarily in overweight adults is increasingly being diagnosed in children. With the rise of ultra-processed diets, sedentary lifestyles, and early exposure to sugary and fatty foods, health experts are raising red flags about a silent epidemic in the making.
The culprits? Instant noodles, chips, sugary beverages, packaged snacks, and fast food, everyday items that have become staples in the diets of many children today.
'We mostly associate fatty liver with adults, but it's increasingly showing up in children, and of course, food habits are at the heart of it," says Mugdha Pradhan, Functional Nutritionist and Founder, iThrive. 'Highly processed and packaged foods such as chips, biscuits, sugary drinks, and instant noodles are loaded with refined flours, seed oils, excessive sugar, preservatives, and additives. These not just overload the liver but also spike insulin and trigger fat storage in places where it doesn't belong, including the liver."
According to Dr. Sakshi Karkra, Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Artemis Hospitals, the condition has become so common that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now one of the fastest-growing liver issues in children. 'Fatty liver is when there is too much fat in the liver, which makes it harder for the organ to do its job. Chips, burgers, fries, and sugary drinks are all junk foods that are high in bad fats, sugar, and calories but low in nutrients," she says. 'If you eat these foods often, you may gain weight, become insulin resistant, and store more fat in your liver."
Children today are often exposed to unhealthy food habits from a young age. Frequent consumption of low-nutrient processed items not only taxes the liver but may lead to long-term health concerns if left unaddressed. Dr. Karkra warns, 'If you don't treat it right away, fatty liver can lead to liver inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and even long-term liver damage."
Turning the Tide with Early Intervention
The good news? Fatty liver in children is reversible especially if caught early. 'It's not just about saying 'no' to junk, it's also about bringing real food back onto the plate," says Pradhan. She advocates for a return to whole grains, healthy fats, clean protein, and nutrient-rich meals to support the liver's natural detox pathways and prevent damage. 'The earlier we intervene, the better chance we give to kids of true, long-lasting health."
Dr. Karkra echoes this, emphasizing the importance of balanced meals, daily physical activity, and conscious limitation of processed foods. 'Encouraging children to eat better and move more can greatly reduce their risk of developing fatty liver," she says.
Fatty liver disease is no longer a distant adult concern. It's real, it's rising, and it's affecting children today, many of whom may not even show symptoms. But with awareness, expert guidance, and a return to clean eating habits, parents and caregivers can help reverse the trend and protect their children's liver health for life.
First Published:
August 05, 2025, 08:41 IST
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Last Updated: Fatty liver disease is no longer a distant adult concern. It's real, it's rising, and it's affecting children today, many of whom may not even show symptoms Fatty liver disease, once seen primarily in overweight adults is increasingly being diagnosed in children. With the rise of ultra-processed diets, sedentary lifestyles, and early exposure to sugary and fatty foods, health experts are raising red flags about a silent epidemic in the making. The culprits? Instant noodles, chips, sugary beverages, packaged snacks, and fast food, everyday items that have become staples in the diets of many children today. 'We mostly associate fatty liver with adults, but it's increasingly showing up in children, and of course, food habits are at the heart of it," says Mugdha Pradhan, Functional Nutritionist and Founder, iThrive. 'Highly processed and packaged foods such as chips, biscuits, sugary drinks, and instant noodles are loaded with refined flours, seed oils, excessive sugar, preservatives, and additives. These not just overload the liver but also spike insulin and trigger fat storage in places where it doesn't belong, including the liver." According to Dr. Sakshi Karkra, Head of Pediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Artemis Hospitals, the condition has become so common that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now one of the fastest-growing liver issues in children. 'Fatty liver is when there is too much fat in the liver, which makes it harder for the organ to do its job. Chips, burgers, fries, and sugary drinks are all junk foods that are high in bad fats, sugar, and calories but low in nutrients," she says. 'If you eat these foods often, you may gain weight, become insulin resistant, and store more fat in your liver." Children today are often exposed to unhealthy food habits from a young age. Frequent consumption of low-nutrient processed items not only taxes the liver but may lead to long-term health concerns if left unaddressed. Dr. Karkra warns, 'If you don't treat it right away, fatty liver can lead to liver inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), and even long-term liver damage." Turning the Tide with Early Intervention The good news? Fatty liver in children is reversible especially if caught early. 'It's not just about saying 'no' to junk, it's also about bringing real food back onto the plate," says Pradhan. She advocates for a return to whole grains, healthy fats, clean protein, and nutrient-rich meals to support the liver's natural detox pathways and prevent damage. 'The earlier we intervene, the better chance we give to kids of true, long-lasting health." Dr. Karkra echoes this, emphasizing the importance of balanced meals, daily physical activity, and conscious limitation of processed foods. 'Encouraging children to eat better and move more can greatly reduce their risk of developing fatty liver," she says. Fatty liver disease is no longer a distant adult concern. It's real, it's rising, and it's affecting children today, many of whom may not even show symptoms. But with awareness, expert guidance, and a return to clean eating habits, parents and caregivers can help reverse the trend and protect their children's liver health for life. First Published: August 05, 2025, 08:41 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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