Latest news with #HealthoftheNationReport2025
Time of India
5 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An acute menace and a silent killer
Fatty liver disease was once considered a relatively rare and benign condition. It now has become one of the most pressing public health concerns . The reasons are simple enough — rising rates of obesity, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits. While alcohol is a known risk, non-alcoholic fatty liver is also more prevalent now. Fatty liver is now classified as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease), mainly driven by obesity, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia—not alcohol alone. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category MBA Data Science Project Management PGDM healthcare CXO Degree Technology Management Design Thinking Operations Management Cybersecurity Public Policy MCA Data Science Product Management Healthcare Artificial Intelligence Finance Leadership Digital Marketing others Data Analytics Others Skills you'll gain: Financial Management Team Leadership & Collaboration Financial Reporting & Analysis Advocacy Strategies for Leadership Duration: 18 Months UMass Global Master of Business Administration (MBA) Starts on May 13, 2024 Get Details Skills you'll gain: Analytical Skills Financial Literacy Leadership and Management Skills Strategic Thinking Duration: 24 Months Vellore Institute of Technology VIT Online MBA Starts on Aug 14, 2024 Get Details What makes it particularly alarming is how it often goes unnoticed — many individuals discover they have fatty liver only when imaging is done for unrelated reasons. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Thousands With Knee Pain Say: 'This Just Works' Wellnee Undo Imaging is crucial for early detection, identifying liver issues that blood tests may not detect early. In 2024, 2.5 lakh individuals were screened, of which 65% had fatty liver. Notably, 52% had normal liver enzyme levels, according to Apollo Hospitals Health of the Nation Report 2025. Live Events Hepatologists say patients often come in for fatigue and mild abdominal discomfort. What appears to be a minor issue turns out to be stage-2 NAFLD. Worse still, this condition is no longer just a concern for the middle-aged or the obese — even teenagers are showing early signs of fatty liver due to diets high in processed foods and sugary drinks. A study in the US involving adolescents revealed that nearly 10% had some form of fatty liver changes, often linked to soft drink consumption and a lack of physical activity. What's particularly concerning is the long-term trajectory: Fatty liver can quietly progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer without any obvious symptoms. These silent developments underscore the need for early screening, public awareness, and a shift in lifestyle choices. Today, watching for fatty liver isn't just a medical necessity — it's a cultural wake-up call. The four stages Six things you can do Eat nutrient-rich food: Vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, olive oil; Omega-3 from salmon, chia seeds, flaxseeds; black coffee or green tea: 2–3 cups/day (unsweetened); healthy snacking via dark chocolate with nuts, dates with walnuts, Greek yogurt with berries, lean proteins, healthy fats. Avoid processed, sugary, fast foods and fried foods. That means colas, sodas, and candies are a no. Avoid white bread, pastries, red meat, processed meats, trans and saturated fats. Work out regularly: At least 150 minutes a week of moderate or 75 minutes a week of intense activity. Aim for 40 minutes a day for six days a wee. Maintain a healthy weight. Losing just 5–10% of body weight can help. Avoid alcohol and certain medications like statins and corticosteroids. Control blood sugar and cholesterol. Doc Talk Liver FAQs What is Fatty liver is a condition where excess fat (more than 5–10% of the liver's weight) accumulates in liver cells. What does the liver do? It detoxifies the body, produces essential proteins, and helps digest fats. What does fatty liver do? With a rise in fat buildup, liver cells can become inflamed and scarred — impairing its vital functions. Why is fatty liver a big deal? Three reasons: It is strongly linked to obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes; it can affect even non-drinkers (ergo, non-alcoholic); and it often goes undiagnosed until significant damage has occurred. What are the symptoms? Most people have no symptoms in the early stages. Detected accidentally via ultrasound or blood tests. In advanced stages, symptoms and complications include fatigue, abdominal pain (right upper side, enlarged liver, jaundice (in severe cases). What are the complications of fatty liver? Fibrosis - scarring; cirrhosis - severe liver damage; liver cancer (rare but possible).
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Gut Microbiome and Its Role in Preventing Lifestyle Diseases: The Forgotten Organ in Digestive Health
As the global conversation on health in 2025 is shifting towards prevention and lifestyle-based medicine, a critical aspect of health still remains surprisingly under-discussed—the . Tired of too many ads? go ad free now So much so, that it is often described as the body's "forgotten organ". However, the trillions of microorganisms residing in the human digestive tract more than just passive inhabitants. They actively shape our health, with the power to influence everything from to and even mental well-being. In the Indian healthcare context, where lifestyle diseases now account for over half of all premature deaths—as highlighted in the Apollo Hospitals Health of the Nation Report 2025—the gut microbiome deserves far more attention. Everyone understands digestive disorders that may be visible at the surface, but deeper imbalances within the gut microbiota are often at the root of many systemic problems that people do not understand. These microorganisms do not just help us digest food or make vitamins. They're constantly in conversation with our immune system, influencing inflammation, metabolism, and even how we respond to stress. Hence, when this microbial ecosystem is thrown off balance – which is a state known as dysbiosis - it can silently lay the foundation for chronic conditions like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or even heart disease. In fact, several recent studies have drawn direct correlations between disrupted gut flora and conditions like insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure, and abdominal fat accumulation. There has been fascinating research in the recent times on role of (SCFAs), which are beneficial compounds produced by gut bacteria when we consume fibre. One of the findings of such research is that SCFAs like, for instance, butyrate don't just protect the gut lining; they also help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce systemic inflammation. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The problem? The typical modern diet, high in refined carbohydrates and low in fibre, drastically reduces the population of SCFA-producing bacteria. This sets the stage for chronic low-grade inflammation—now recognized as a key driver of most lifestyle diseases. There's also the to consider. What happens in the gut doesn't stay in the gut. Anxiety, depression, mood swings—these have all been linked to imbalances in gut microbiota, thanks to the complex communication network known as the gut-brain axis. With stress levels at an all-time high, especially among India's working population, this link has never been more relevant. The bigger problem is that despite such compelling connections, the microbiome remains conspicuously absent from public health campaigns. Discussions around still largely focus on acidity, bloating, or diet fads, rather than the deeper internal ecosystem that silently governs much of our physiological balance. This has to change. The good news, however, is that nurturing the microbiome isn't difficult - it just requires conscious, consistent choices. Traditional Indian diets, when not diluted by modern processed food habits, are naturally gut-friendly. Fibre-rich lentils, fermented foods like curd and pickles, and seasonal vegetables are great for microbial diversity. However, the challenge lies in sustaining these habits amid urban lifestyles marked by rushed meals, stress, and excessive antibiotic use. Simple steps can make a significant difference. Increasing fibre intake, cutting down on processed foods, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics, managing stress, and including natural probiotics in the diet can collectively reshape the gut microbiota for the better. For those at high risk of , gut microbiome screening may soon become a practical tool in preventive diagnostics. Looking ahead, as India continues its push towards a more health-literate and prevention-oriented society, the gut microbiome must take its rightful place in the conversation. It's not just about digestion. It's about immunity, metabolism, mental health—and longevity. This once-forgotten organ may well be the key to tackling the lifestyle disease epidemic of the 21st century.
Express Tribune
27-02-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
PMA paints grim picture of country's healthcare
The country is grappling with a healthcare crisis that is being exacerbated by rapid population growth, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and poor policymaking, states a report released by the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) on Wednesday. As per the "Health of the Nation Report 2025", with an estimated population of over 253 million, growing at an alarming rate of 2.4% annually, the country is projected to reach 403 million by 2050. This demographic surge threatens food security, healthcare access, education, and housing. Yet, policymakers have failed to develop sustainable strategies to address these challenges. The report lists a myriad of challenges, from soaring maternal and child mortality rates to the ongoing threat of preventable diseases, demanding urgent reforms at every level. Pakistan ranks 125th out of 170 countries in terms of healthcare, according to the World Health Organisation's (WHO) rankings for December 2024. Dr Abdul Ghafoor Shoro said polio cases surged to 74 in 2024 from just six in 2023.
