Hyderabad: AIG Hospitals marks World Fatty Liver Day with call to prevent NAFLD

Hyderabad: AIG Hospitals marked World Fatty Liver Day with an awareness session aimed at educating the public about the growing issue of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The event, held both in person and online, attracted a wide range of participants, including patients, clinicians, and the general public.

NAFLD has become one of the most common liver conditions worldwide, affecting nearly one in four adults. Contributing factors include sedentary lifestyles, poor diet, and the increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes. Despite the rise in cases, public awareness about the disease remains limited.

Dr. D. Nageshwar Reddy, Chairman of AIG Hospitals, explained the importance of focusing on prevention rather than treatment. "Fatty liver has evolved from an epidemic to a combination of both an epidemic and endemic. The real solution lies in awareness. Education, especially from a young age, is more powerful than diagnosis. We must start addressing liver health in schools, homes, and communities," he said.

During the session, a panel of specialists highlighted the need for regular screenings, early diagnosis, and lifestyle changes in managing the disease. They pointed out that timely intervention could prevent or even reverse liver damage.

Dr. Anand Kulkarni, Director of Critical Care Hepatology at AIG Hospitals, stressed that fatty liver often goes unnoticed until it reaches an advanced stage. "When fatty liver shows up on an ultrasound, almost 30% of the liver is already filled with fat. This should serve as a warning," he said, adding that "lifestyle changes, not medicines alone, can make the real difference."

The panel also discussed the role of unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity, and prolonged sitting in contributing to the rise of fatty liver. Dr. Anuj Kapadia, Senior Consultant Cardiologist at AIG Hospitals, highlighted the broader health implications. "Fat in the liver is a signal of deeper issues in the body. If there is fat in the liver, there could also be fat blocking the arteries," he said, pointing to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

The conversation also covered India’s approach to addressing fatty liver disease at the national level. Dr. PN Rao, Chief of Hepatology at AIG Hospitals, shared insights into the country’s inclusion of fatty liver in its national health programs. "India is the first country to include fatty liver in its national health programs. For large-scale intervention, we need simple, accessible, and effective tools," he said, urging people not to ignore the condition. "If caught early, fatty liver can be managed."

The session also addressed the role of new technologies in diagnosing the disease. Dr. Rakesh, Director of Endoscopy at AIG Hospitals, explained their work with the Indian School of Business (ISB) on an AI-powered screening tool for fatty liver. "We’ve developed an algorithm using five simple parameters, CBP, HbA1c, LFT, triglycerides, and BMI, and tested it on over 10,000 patients with 96% sensitivity," he said. "This technology enables primary health centers to identify high-risk individuals without relying on expensive tests."

The event concluded with a key message, fatty liver disease is preventable and, in many cases, reversible if detected early. AIG Hospitals remains committed to raising awareness and promoting early intervention through initiatives like this. The hospital is focused on expanding access to health education to help individuals take control of their liver health.