Silent Liver Disease Hits Millions in India

New Delhi: Millions of Indians are at risk from a silent liver disease that is increasingly affecting people who do not drink alcohol. Known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the condition often develops without noticeable symptoms but can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.

Lancent studies shows that nearly four out of ten Indian adults have MASLD, with urban populations being the hardest hit. In cities like Delhi, more than half of adults visiting clinics are found to have signs of fatty liver. Even individuals with normal weight are not immune, as studies indicate that around 11 percent of lean adults may also be affected.

Doctors say the disease is largely driven by obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and stress. While early stages often go unnoticed, MASLD can progress to liver scarring, cirrhosis, and liver cancer, and also increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.

“MASLD is a silent epidemic in India,” says Dr. Shiv Kumar Sarin, hepatologist. “Most people are unaware of it until the damage is advanced. Awareness, regular screening, and lifestyle changes are key to prevention.”

Experts advise adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, and timely liver health check-ups. They also point out that medications like affordable generic semaglutide, which help control obesity and diabetes, could indirectly reduce the risk of fatty liver among Indians.

With urban lifestyles on the rise and metabolic diseases becoming more common, early detection and prevention remain the most effective tools to tackle this silent but growing health crisis in India.