Fatty Liver No Longer Just a Lifestyle Disease: Experts Raise Alarm

KOCHI:
In a joint initiative by Amrita Hospital’s Department of Hepatology, the Indian National Association for the Study of the Liver (INASL), the Global Liver Institute, and the Global NASH Council, a free screening and awareness camp was recently organised to address the rising burden of fatty liver disease.

The camp, held at Amrita Hospital, was led by Dr. Arun K Valsan, Associate Professor, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. It witnessed active participation from the public, with individuals receiving free FibroScan screening, a non-invasive tool to assess liver health.

In addition to the screening, attendees took part in educational sessions that covered the clinical features of fatty liver disease, its potential to progress silently, and the crucial role of early diagnosis. The sessions also focused on lifestyle modifications, including diet and physical activity, to prevent and manage the condition.

“Fatty liver is no longer limited to overweight or sedentary individuals. We are now seeing it in young adults and people with no obvious risk factors,” said Dr. Valsan. “This makes early awareness and screening all the more important.”

With growing evidence of fatty liver disease affecting non-obese and younger populations, the camp served as a timely public health intervention, underscoring the importance of vigilance, awareness, and preventive care.