A silent disease with serious risksOne of the most concerning aspects of fatty liver is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms.
“Fatty liver can advance to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and, in some cases, liver cancer,” he warns.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS ADCan fatty liver be reversedThe encouraging news is that fatty liver is often reversible with timely intervention.
Not drinking is not enoughWhile avoiding alcohol is beneficial, it does not guarantee protection against fatty liver.
Understanding the broader causes of fatty liver and addressing them early is essential to preventing long-term complications.
Fatty liver is still widely associated with alcohol consumption. However, a growing number of Indians who do not drink are developing excess fat in their liver.
Dr Mahendra Singh Rajput, Senior Consultant in Digestive Diseases, Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad, says this shift reflects changing metabolic health patterns.
“We are increasingly seeing fatty liver in people who do not consume alcohol. It is now more accurately described as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD,” says Dr Rajput.
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What is MASLD and why it matters
MASLD is closely linked to metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, diabetes and high triglycerides.
“This condition is not driven by alcohol but by underlying metabolic dysfunction. Insulin resistance plays a central role in fat accumulation within the liver,” explains Dr Rajput.
Sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits further accelerate this process, making it a growing public health concern.
Why Indians are especially vulnerable
Indians face a higher risk of developing fatty liver, even at what appears to be a normal body weight.
“Many individuals may not look overweight but still have excess visceral fat around the abdomen and internal organs. This ‘thin outside, fat inside’ pattern is very common,” says Dr Rajput.
This hidden fat increases the risk of metabolic disease and liver damage without obvious external signs.
How diet is fuelling the problem
Modern dietary patterns are a major contributor to rising fatty liver cases.
“Frequent intake of refined flour, white rice, sweets, sugary drinks, fried foods and packaged snacks leads to repeated spikes in blood sugar and insulin,” notes Dr Rajput.
When the body is unable to use this excess energy efficiently, the liver stores it as fat.
“Over time, this continuous cycle promotes fat accumulation in the liver and worsens metabolic health,” he adds.
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The role of lifestyle factors
Diet is only one part of the equation. Daily habits also play a significant role.
“Long working hours, prolonged sitting, inadequate sleep and low physical activity further aggravate fatty liver,” says Dr Rajput.
This means the condition can affect office workers, young adults and even those who believe their weight is within a healthy range.
A silent disease with serious risks
One of the most concerning aspects of fatty liver is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms.
“Most patients do not experience pain or obvious warning signs. Even liver enzyme levels may remain normal in the early stages,” explains Dr Rajput.
If left unaddressed, the condition can progress.
“Fatty liver can advance to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis and, in some cases, liver cancer,” he warns.
Who should get screened
Early detection is key, particularly for individuals with metabolic risk factors.
“People with diabetes, high cholesterol, hypertension or increasing abdominal girth should discuss liver screening with their doctor,” advises Dr Rajput.
Routine check-ups can help identify the condition before complications develop.
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Can fatty liver be reversed
The encouraging news is that fatty liver is often reversible with timely intervention.
“Losing five to ten per cent of body weight, exercising regularly, reducing refined carbohydrates and improving sleep can significantly reduce liver fat,” says Dr Rajput.
Even small, consistent lifestyle changes can lead to meaningful improvements in liver health.
Not drinking is not enough
While avoiding alcohol is beneficial, it does not guarantee protection against fatty liver.
“Not consuming alcohol is important, but it does not make the liver immune to metabolic damage,” concludes Dr Rajput.
Understanding the broader causes of fatty liver and addressing them early is essential to preventing long-term complications.
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