Doctors warn of rising fatty liver disease, Chandigarh recording the highest prevalence at 53.5%
CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh has recorded the highest prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in the country, with 53.5 percent of adults affected—significantly above the national average of 38 per cent, recent health data reveals.
Marking World Liver Day 2025, senior doctors at Paras Health Panchkula expressed concern over the rising incidence of fatty liver disease, particularly among children and young adults.
The trend is being driven by increasingly unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyles, and a lack of awareness about liver health. In response, the hospital has introduced a dedicated liver OPD to provide focused care for patients suffering from conditions such as hepatitis, fatty liver, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The outpatient service will be available every Thursday.
“We are seeing serious liver issues even in non-drinkers, primarily due to the rising consumption of junk food high in fat and sugar, ” said Dr Rakesh Kochhar, Director, Gastroenterology, Paras Health Panchkula, and former professor at PGIMER. “MAFLD has emerged as a silent epidemic. Most patients remain asymptomatic until significant liver damage occurs.” MAFLD, earlier known as NAFLD, is characterised by fat accumulation of over 5 per cent in the liver in the absence of alcohol consumption. Experts warned that it often goes undetected without routine screening.
“People who are obese, diabetic or follow unhealthy diets should undergo regular liver check-ups, ” said Dr Mohnish Kataria, Senior Consultant, Gastroenterology. “If left untreated, MAFLD can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer.”
Dr Karan Midha, Senior Consultant, GI Surgery, added that cirrhosis is the end stage of chronic liver disease, and by the time patients seek treatment, the damage is often advanced. “This clinic aims to identify and manage such cases earlier, improving outcomes.”
The doctors also cautioned against self-medication and unregulated herbal remedies, advocating lifestyle modifications and timely diagnosis as the most effective tools for liver disease prevention. “Keeping the liver healthy is essential for a better quality of life, ” Dr Kochhar said.