Revealing the Main Causes of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease on World Liver Day 2024

Megha (name changed) a woman in her mid-30s recently underwent a routine health check-up and was shocked to find out that she has Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. She, like many others, believed that only alcoholics suffer from liver diseases. However, her doctors informed her that NAFLD is becoming increasingly common, affecting millions of people worldwide.

According to data from the American Liver Foundation, about 100 million people in the USA have NAFLD. In India, studies published in the Indian Journal of Community Medicine show that 9% to 32% of the population have NAFLD, with prevalence similar in urban and rural areas. The rise in cases can be attributed to various factors such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, high triglycerides, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

These conditions, collectively known as Metabolic Syndrome or Syndrome X, are the leading causes of NAFLD. Children are also at risk due to the increasing prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance. While there is no specific medication to reverse fatty liver, lifestyle changes, healthy habits, and weight reduction are crucial in managing the disease.

Failure to manage NAFLD properly can lead to more serious conditions like Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Awareness about NAFLD is crucial for prevention, early detection, and treatment. Dr. Moumita Misra, Head of Lab Operations at Metropolis Healthcare Limited, emphasizes the importance of promoting awareness about NAFLD to prevent serious liver damage in the future.