For the last couple of years, doctors across India have been witnessing a disturbing
trend: rising cases of fatty liver disease among young adults. Previously, these
conditions were found in adults and then in alcoholics. However, these days, they are
increasingly appearing in children and young adults. What is surprising is that many of
these cases involve people who are not obese or heavy drinkers. This “silent epidemic”
often goes unnoticed until it leads to serious complications like liver inflammation or
even cirrhosis. According to Dr. Farman Ali, a leading surgeon and longevity expert, the
rise in fatty liver among young Indians is largely lifestyle-driven and, in many cases,
entirely preventable.
Dr. Ali says fatty liver results from a problem when extra fat deposits gather inside the
liver cells, hampering the organ’s functioning ability. The modern urban lifestyle, a
sedentary lifestyle, eating at irregular hours of the day and night, consuming more
processed foods, and experiencing chronic stress; all these factors play a central role in
this condition. “Most young professionals today live on fast food, sugary drinks, and
late-night schedules. The liver bears the brunt of these choices,” says Dr. Ali. He also
points out that even those with normal body weight can develop non-alcoholic fatty liver
disease (NAFLD) due to poor dietary patterns and lack of physical activity. Additionally,
he also says that children are consuming less fruit and fibre-rich food, and they have
less physical activity, which is essential for their liver health.
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He goes on to say that the good news is that with careful lifestyle modifications, fatty
liver can be naturally reversed. Adopting a balanced diet full of whole foods, a lot of
fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats like olive oil and nuts
should come first. Dr. Ali advises cutting down on refined sugar, fried foods, and alcohol,
which are the primary culprits behind the accumulation of liver fat. Regular physical
activity, even something as simple as brisk walking for 30 minutes a day, helps the liver
metabolize fat more effectively.
Dr. Ali also emphasizes the importance of sleep and stress management. Chronic
stress releases hormones that can worsen fat storage in the liver, while poor sleep
disrupts metabolism. “The liver is a regenerative organ; if you give it the right
environment, it heals itself,” he explains. Routine health check-ups, awareness, and
early diagnosis remain essential in catching the disease before its advancement.
Dr. Farman Ali believes that India’s youth can reverse this silent epidemic, one healthy
choice at a time, by making only small, consistent changes in lifestyle coupled with
living mindfully