Health Ministry issues new guidelines to combat fatty liver disease

New Delhi, Sep 27: The Union Health Ministry has released updated guidelines and a training manual aimed at addressing the growing problem of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in India, a press release issued by the Ministry of Health said.

The move is part of the government’s effort to tackle this increasingly common liver disease, which is closely linked to conditions like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

Apurva Chandra, Union Health Secretary during the launch said that “India has taken the lead in recognising NAFLD as a major NCD”. He said, “NAFLD is rapidly emerging as a major public health concern, closely linked with metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Out of 10, one to three people can have NAFLD,” he added, highlighting how widespread the issue is.

NAFLD occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver of people who drink little or no alcohol. It is often a silent disease, showing few symptoms until it progresses to more severe liver problems, making early detection and lifestyle changes crucial.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases (NAFLD) is emerging as an important cause of liver disease in India. It could be assuming a silent epidemic with community prevalence ranging from 9% to 32%, depending on age, gender, area of residence and socioeconomic status. In other words, we are saying that out of 10 persons 1 to 3 persons will be having Fatty liver or related disease

What’s in the New Guidelines?

The revised Operational Guidelines and Training Module aim to provide a structured approach for healthcare workers at all levels to identify, manage, and treat NAFLD. “These guidelines will help health workers—from community health workers to medical officers—better understand how to prevent and manage this disease,” Shri Chandra explained.

Dr. S.K. Sarin, Director of the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS), stressed the importance of the liver in overall health. “Many diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer are tied to liver health,” he said. He also pointed out that the new guidelines could help reduce the future burden of liver-related diseases in India.

Why NAFLD Is a Big Concern

NAFLD is becoming a serious issue in India, with a prevalence of 9% to 32% depending on factors like age, gender, and lifestyle. The disease is part of a larger global issue, where non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like heart disease and diabetes account for 66% of deaths in India. Poor lifestyle choices, including unhealthy diets and lack of physical activity, are major contributors to NAFLD.

In 2021, India became the first country to include NAFLD in its National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs, emphasizing the need for a national response to this silent epidemic.

How You Can Protect Yourself from NAFLD

The good news is that NAFLD can often be prevented or managed with lifestyle changes. Here are some expert recommendations to reduce your risk:

Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding processed and sugary foods is key to liver health.

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity helps burn fat and improves liver function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Avoid Overuse of Alcohol and Tobacco: While NAFLD isn’t directly caused by alcohol, limiting alcohol and avoiding tobacco helps keep your liver healthy.

Get Regular Health Screenings: Early detection is crucial. Regular check-ups can help catch the disease before it worsens.

“These guidelines need to reach grassroots workers,” said Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava is an officer on special duty at the Union Health Ministry. “The earlier we detect NAFLD, the better we can manage it and reduce the overall burden,” she added.