Health Ministry revises non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) guidelines: What do they mean for prevention?

According to Dr Arvinder Soin, Chairman and Chief Surgeon, Medanta Liver Transplantation Institute, over a third of Indian adults have NAFLD. “It is definitely a major healthcare challenge due to its rising prevalence, largely driven by increasing obesity and diabetes. The disease is often asymptomatic in its early stages, making diagnosis difficult until more severe liver damage occurs,” he says.

What is NAFLD?

This is a condition in which fat builds up in your liver and over time, damages the organ like it would if you were an alcoholic. Usually seen in overweight people or those with abdominal or belly fat. This leads to inflammation and liver damage, with fat deposits scarring your liver.

Which section of the population is most at risk?

NAFLD primarily affects people with obesity, type 2 diabetes, hypertension and those leading a sedentary lifestyle. While it’s more prevalent in middle-aged adults, even children and young adults with these risk factors are susceptible. Additionally, people with a family history of liver disease are at a higher risk, making it a growing concern across diverse age groups.

What are risk factors?

These include obesity, insulin resistance, Type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol and metabolic syndrome (a cluster of conditions like elevated blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels). NAFLD is associated with cardiovascular diseases, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. With obesity and diabetes, NAFLD quickly degenerates into more severe liver diseases, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can result in liver scarring and failure.

What lifestyle modifications should be done?

Regular exercise, weight management and a balanced diet are all you need. Reduce intake of sugar and saturated fat, especially from processed foods, while increasing fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Additionally, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of liver fat accumulation and disease progression.

What is the significance of government guidelines on NAFLD?

The guidelines acknowledge that NAFLD is a public health concern. By integrating it into the national strategy, the aim is to raise awareness, promote early diagnosis and encourage preventive measures like lifestyle changes. This initiative also emphasises the need for better screening and treatment infrastructure, addressing both individual risk factors and the broader healthcare system.