With 53%, Chandigarh has highest prevalence of fatty liver disease'
Marking World Liver Day 2025, senior doctors at Paras Health Panchkula expressed concern over the rising incidence of fatty liver disease, particularly among children and young adults. The trend is being driven by increasingly unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of awareness about liver health. In response, the hospital has introduced a dedicated liver OPD to provide focused care for patients suffering from conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer.
'We are seeing serious liver issues even in non-drinkers, primarily due to the rising consumption of junk food high in fat and sugar,' said Dr Rakesh Kochhar, director, Gastroenterology, Paras Health Panchkula, and former professor at PGIMER. 'MAFLD has emerged as a silent epidemic. Most patients remain asymptomatic until significant liver damage occurs.'
MAFLD, earlier known as NAFLD, is characterised by fat accumulation of over 5 per cent in the liver in the absence of alcohol consumption. Experts warned that it often goes undetected without routine screening. 'People who are obese, diabetic or follow unhealthy diets should undergo regular liver check-ups. If left untreated, MAFLD can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer,' said Dr Mohnish Kataria, senior consultant, Gastroenterology.
The doctors also cautioned against self-medication and unregulated herbal remedies, advocating lifestyle modifications and timely diagnosis as the most effective tools for liver disease prevention. 'Keeping the liver healthy is essential for a better quality of life,' added Kochhar.
Ajay Duseja, head, Hepatology Department, PGIMER, said that research suggests that the MAFLD diagnosis should not be based solely on body mass index (BMI), as it is not a reliable indicator of disease risk. 'This condition can be just as severe in lean individuals as in overweight patients, and should be taken seriously and regular checkups are essential.'
Fatty liver has become a lifestyle disorder, making it crucial to follow a healthy routine. Cases of fatty liver are also increasing in children due to decreased physical activity, and experts suggest maintaining a healthy diet, doing exercise; avoiding junk food and alcohol consumption. They also recommend not ignoring symptoms like lethargy, abdominal pain, fatigue, and scheduling liver checkups, with an ultrasound.
'The liver plays a vital role in maintaining overall health and supporting immunity, digestion, and metabolism. Any compromise in liver function can severely impact not just the digestive system, but also the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. One of the growing concerns affecting liver health today is excessive fat accumulation, which can silently progress to serious complications if left unnoticed,' said Dr Gurbakshish Singh Sidhu, principal consultant gastroenterology at Max Hospital Mohali.
Some of the most common symptoms of liver disease include loss of appetite, abdominal pain, jaundice, and unexplained weight loss. Sidhu suggested that regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, following a balanced diet, which is low in fat and sugar, and high in fibre, can significantly reduce the risk of liver damage.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
What causes fatty liver in women? Signs, triggers, and health risks
Fatty liver disease is on the rise among women, often silently progressing until major damage is done. But what causes fatty liver in women specifically? From hormonal shifts to lifestyle choices, the female body has unique risk factors. Whether it's due to postmenopausal changes, PCOS, or processed food overload, understanding the real triggers can help you prevent long-term liver damage. In this article, we break down the top causes of fatty liver in women, how to identify the warning signs early, and the lifestyle changes that make a real difference. 7 causes of fatty liver in women Poor diet and obesity One of the most common causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease ( NAFLD ) in women is a diet high in sugar, refined carbs, and saturated fats. These foods lead to fat deposits in the liver, especially when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Obesity, particularly visceral fat around the abdomen, makes the liver more prone to inflammation and damage. Insulin resistance and PCOS Women with polycystic ovary syndrome ( PCOS ) often develop insulin resistance, which means the body can't effectively process sugar. This increases fat storage in the liver. Even women without PCOS but with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes face a higher risk, since both conditions disrupt the body's ability to manage fat and sugar effectively. Monitoring blood sugar, maintaining a low-glycaemic diet, and engaging in regular exercise are key strategies to reduce fatty liver risk in insulin-resistant individuals. Alcohol consumption While fatty liver disease is often non-alcoholic, alcohol remains a major factor. Women metabolise alcohol differently from men and are more susceptible to alcoholic fatty liver disease ( AFLD ) even at lower doses. Regular or binge drinking can quickly lead to fat buildup and scarring (fibrosis) in the liver. Hormonal changes and menopause Oestrogen helps regulate fat distribution and metabolism. After menopause, declining oestrogen levels may lead to fat storage around the abdomen and in the liver. This hormonal shift makes postmenopausal women more likely to develop NAFLD even if they're not overweight. Sedentary lifestyle A lack of regular physical activity slows down metabolism and fat burning. Many women who spend long hours sitting—for work or otherwise are more likely to develop metabolic disorders that contribute to fatty liver. Genetics and family history If you have a family history of liver disease, obesity, or type 2 diabetes, especially among first-degree relatives, your risk for developing fatty liver disease increases significantly. One of the best-studied genetic risk factors is the PNPLA3 rs738409 variant , which impairs triglyceride breakdown in liver cells and increases fat storage. Meta-analyses show that individuals carrying the G allele have drastically higher odds of developing NAFLD or progressing to NASH, compared to those with the protective CC genotype. In women over 50 and non-obese individuals, the GG genotype is particularly predictive of severe outcomes like fibrosis. This genetic predisposition is notably prevalent in South Asian populations, who often develop 'lean NAFLD' despite normal body weight. Rapid weight loss or malnutrition Ironically, rapid weight loss can harm your liver instead of healing it. When women lose weight too quickly, especially through crash diets, extreme fasting, or unmonitored detox plans, the liver is flooded with free fatty acids, which can overwhelm its capacity and lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This is especially concerning for women with eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, where malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies (like lack of choline, vitamin E, or protein) are common. Fad diets that promise fast results often neglect essential nutrients, placing additional stress on the liver. Instead, experts recommend gradual weight loss (around 0.5–1 kg per week) combined with a balanced diet for sustainable liver health. Understanding what causes fatty liver in women is the first step toward prevention and long-term liver health. From hormonal conditions like PCOS to lifestyle factors such as high-sugar diets, sedentary habits, and alcohol use, multiple elements play a role in triggering fat buildup in the liver. Even genetics, especially variants like PNPLA3 can quietly influence your risk, particularly if you're of South Asian descent or have a family history of type 2 diabetes, obesity, or liver a balanced, anti-inflammatory diet, incorporate daily physical movement, and pay attention to your metabolic and hormonal health. If you fall into a high-risk group, it's worth having a conversation with your doctor about early screening or liver function tests, even if you're asymptomatic. Also read | Vitiligo impacts more than appearance: Here's how it affects mental and social wellbeing
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Time of India
3 vegetables a gastroenterologist eats to protect the liver
Gastroenterologist Dr. Joseph Salhab highlights the importance of diet for liver health and recommends incorporating specific vegetables. Broccoli, rich in sulforaphanes, aids detoxification, while beetroot, containing betalains, reduces oxidative stress and lowers liver enzymes. Artichokes, packed with cyanurin, act as a powerful antioxidant, promoting liver cell regeneration and improved bile production. The largest organ in the human body, the liver performs over 500 functions, including the digestion of proteins, mineral storage, bile production, and blood filtration. Despite its significance, liver diseases are on the rise across the globe. Lifestyle factors, including diet, play a crucial role in liver health. Dr. Joseph Salhab, a Florida-based gastroenterologist, has shared about three vegetables he incorporates into his diet to boost liver function. Let's take a look. Broccoli The first vegetable on Dr. Salhab's list is broccoli. Cruciferous vegetables, including broccoli, are known for their liver-protective effects. Broccoli is rich in sulforaphanes, naturally occurring compounds linked to improving the liver's detoxification processes. A 2015 study has shown that broccoli sprout extract significantly reduced ALT and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) levels in men with fatty liver disease, which improved liver function. For those who do not enjoy broccoli, the doctor suggested, 'If you don't like broccoli, you could probably get the same benefit from some of the other cruciferous vegetables, like cabbage, kale, or Brussels sprouts.' Beetroot Beetroot is another vegetable that the gastroenterologist incorporates into his diet. 'Beets contain something called betalains. And betalains are what give it its reddish-purplish color. Betalains reduce oxidative stress within the liver. And it allows it to heal,' the doctor said, in a video shared on Instagram. Beetroot is a great option for those struggling with liver diseases, including fatty liver. A 2023 meta-analysis found that beetroot juice supplementation significantly lowered liver enzymes alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), which are key markers of liver stress, in patients with NAFLD. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo This vegetable can also improve serious liver conditions such as hepatic steatosis, where excess fat is stored in the liver. Beets are also rich in folate and manganese, which improve the metabolic processes in the liver. You can either roast, juice, or grate beets into salads to improve liver health. Artichokes Artichokes are also rich in antioxidants and are said to be rich in polyphenols, quercetin, and rutin, which protect cells from oxidative damage. They also contain vitamin C, luteolin, and silymarin, which have powerful antioxidants that fight inflammation. Yes, this might come as a surprise to you. But who knew something as delectable as artichokes could improve liver function! Dr. Salhab has described artichokes as 'one of the best liver health foods' due to their high levels of antioxidants. 'We have some good evidence that artichokes are one of the best liver health foods. And that's because they include something called cyanurin, which is a powerful antioxidant for the liver,' the doctor said. This antioxidant helps the liver cells to regenerate and also improve bile production, which helps in the breakdown of fats and the removal of toxins. 'I like to make it as a spread and put it on some sourdough bread. And it's a perfect lunch,' he adds. Supreme Court Pushes Central Govt to Finalise FOPL: What It Means & Why It Matters? | Explained
Time of India
2 days ago
- Time of India
5 morning drinks to naturally heal your liver and give it a gentle detox
The Liver's Quiet Struggle in a Loud World Detox in a Cup: What to Drink for Liver Support You Might Also Like: India's silent epidemic: 6 foods to include in your diet if you have fatty liver Amla Juice Ginger and Mint Tea iStock Amla juice and Ginger Mint tea Coconut Water Peppermint Tea Oat Tea iStock Coconut Water and Oat Tea You Might Also Like: When chia seeds can harm your health. Harvard liver specialist advises 3 right ways to consume them In today's fast-paced world, where convenience often trumps nutrition, one organ quietly bears the brunt of our modern choices — the liver. Whether it's the late-night greasy meal, the sugary drinks, the stress of deadlines, or sedentary habits, our liver works around the clock to keep our body balanced. But even heroes need support, and sometimes, all it takes is a conscious sip of something seen as the organ primarily affected by alcohol, the liver is now increasingly under siege from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition triggered not by drinking, but by everyday habits like consuming ultra-processed food, sitting for hours, and battling chronic stress. And while medications and supplements flood the market, doctors agree — the most powerful protectors of your liver might already be in your to a recent report by Only My Health, the liver is more vulnerable than ever before. Dr. Shoibalini Karmokar, General Physician and Founder of Aceso Mumbai, highlights how toxins from food, pollution, and stress are making it harder for the liver to do its job — metabolizing nutrients, clearing waste, and filtering blood. Yet, many don't realize their liver is in trouble until symptoms like fatigue, bloating, or even jaundice set worrying experts is the silent progression of liver damage. As gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi warns, liver disease often advances unnoticed — fat quietly accumulates, inflammation builds, and over time, fibrosis or even cirrhosis can occur. And all of this without a single sip of miracle detox kits. Real nourishment can begin with a simple drink. Dr. Karmokar suggests five effective, natural beverages that can support liver health and offer a gentle cleanse for the overworked from Indian gooseberry, amla juice is packed with Vitamin C and powerful antioxidants. As Dr. Karmokar points out, it can reduce liver inflammation, improve function, and shield against toxin-related known for lowering triglycerides and cholesterol, pairs beautifully with mint's cooling menthol effects. Together, they offer a potent blend of antioxidants that support liver regeneration and fight oxidative touted as nature's electrolyte drink, coconut water may reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver, thanks to its bioactive compounds. It's a hydrating and restorative choice for anyone looking to ease liver thanks to compounds like menthol, offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Studies cited by Dr. Karmokar suggest peppermint oil may even help prevent liver fibrosis — a condition where scar tissue builds up and damages liver aren't just for breakfast anymore. Avena sativa, or oat tea, is rich in antioxidants and has shown promise in reducing liver enzyme levels and preventing liver damage from toxins such as these drinks won't replace medical treatment, they offer a meaningful first step toward protecting your liver in the long term. The secret isn't in a dramatic overhaul but in small, sustained choices — a cup of tea instead of soda, water over sugary beverages, and mindful movement rather than endless screen time.
