1 in 3 at Risk – Experts Warn on World Liver Day

Medicover Hospitals has raised a serious alarm over the skyrocketing cases of liver disease in India on the occasion of World Liver Day on April 19, describing it as a “silent health crisis” affecting even young adults.

Chief Consultant Surgical Gastroenterologist and Head of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation Programme, Medicover Hospitals, Secunderabad. Pavan Addala noted that approximately 1 in 3 Indians is estimated to have fatty liver disease and a large number remain undiagnosed. “Even more concerning is that we are seeing patients in their 20s and 30s with advanced liver damage,” he said.

He explained that Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has become the leading cause of liver disease today due to sedentary lifestyle, junk food consumption, obesity, diabetes and stress. Among high-risk groups, prevalence can exceed 50%, making it a major threat to public health.

“Liver disease often shows no symptoms until it reaches a dangerous stage. By the time patients seek medical attention, serious damage may have occurred,” warned Dr. Pavan Addala. If ignored, it can progress to cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer.

He emphasized that more than 70 percent of liver diseases can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, exercising at least 30 minutes a day, avoiding alcohol and limiting unnecessary medications are very important steps. Regular screening, including liver function tests, plays an important role in early diagnosis.

“While liver transplantation can save lives in advanced stages, prevention is the real solution. Today’s awareness can prevent complications tomorrow,” he added.

Medicover Hospitals calls on the public to take immediate action; because a healthy liver is the foundation of a healthy life.