Liver Causes 66% Deaths In India: Central Government

The deaths that occur indicating a rise of metabolic diseases are mostly due to an individual's liver condition, the government informed on Friday, during the launch of the new guidelines, and training module pertaining to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD).

The fast -paced growth in instances of NAFLD makes it major health concern, closely connected to metabolic disorders like diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Out of 10, one to three people can have NAFLD which highlights the impact of the disease," Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary informed, while mentioning that the guidelines focused on the importance of continuous care for people diagnosed with NCDs, while underlining the need for lifestyle modification for reducing the prevalence of NAFLD.

Habits that proliferate non-communicable diseases

66 per cent of the death tally in India are caused by non-communicable diseases with the major risk factors being consumption of tobacco, alcohol, poor dietary habits, lack of physical activity, and rise of air pollution, according to an official statement.

One of the core causes of metabolic diseases is liver and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is also an important cause of liver disease in India with prevalence ranging from 9 pr cent to 32 per cent.

"India contributes high numbers for NCDs globally and one of the core causes of metabolic diseases is in the liver. Realizing the growing burden and urgent need to address it, India became the first country to integrate the NAFLD in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2021," it said.

The silent health alert and need for precautionary measures

Fatty liver disease is becoming increasingly prevalent in India due to lifestyle changes, particularly unhealthy diets and sedentary habits. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common form, is closely linked to obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, all of which are on the rise in India.

With rapid urbanization and growing consumption of high-calorie, processed foods, more people are developing fatty liver, even in the absence of alcohol consumption. The increasing rates of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance are also contributing to the growing incidence of fatty liver disease. This silent condition can lead to serious complications like liver inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis if left untreated.