Chennai: In India, one in five individuals die due to fatty liver disease and the population constituted around 9 to 35 per cent in the country.
In south India, diabetes is rampant who are categorised as vulnerable population, said Gleneagles Global Hospitals chairman, Dr K Ravindranath.
He was speaking during the inauguration of fatty liver clinic at Gleneagles Global Hospitals by actor and director, K Bhagyaraj here Friday.
Addressing media about the intensity of the problem, Hepatology and Transplant Hepatology director Dr Joy Varghese, said, “USA, Australia and India are a few of the countries where the concern is serious. However, India tops the list in southeast Asia as 250 million population have already been affected with fatty liver disease.”
He further noted that it was not a matter of concern four decades ago, but now declared as epidemic. Factors like diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol and sedentary lifestyle contribute to the occurrence of the condition and is high among middle-aged people and does not spare the pediatric age group.
“Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition where the excess fat gets accumulated in the liver of people who drink less or no alcohol. When more than 5 – 10 per cent of the liver’s weight is made up of fat, it is called a fatty liver (Steatosis),” added Joy Varghese.