Adults in their 30s and even late 20s are beginning to show early signs of liver fat build-up. Many of these individuals have no symptoms at all – no warning signs until they came in for a routine health check.
Published Apr 19, 2025 | 7:52 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 19, 2025 | 7:52 AM
Representative image of the Liver
Synopsis: A growing number of urban Indians are being diagnosed with fatty liver disease. Routine scans in cities like Chennai and Hyderabad show the condition affects nearly 30 percent and 54 percent of people respectively. While the disease can lead to serious complications such as inflammation, scarring and cirrhosis, doctors say early detection and lifestyle changes can reverse the damage.
The liver is probably one of the most underrated yet vital organs in the human body. It helps by soaking up toxins, storing glucose and releasing it when needed, and breaking down what you eat – much like a sponge keeping your kitchen clean.
Now imagine someone pouring a little grease on that sponge every day. At first, it still works, but slowly the grease builds up. The sponge becomes slippery and less effective. Eventually, it becomes so soaked that it cannot function at all.
This is exactly what is happening to the livers of people in urban India – particularly in cities like Chennai and Hyderabad – and it is starting far earlier than most people realise.
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A recent report by Neuberg Diagnostics paints a concerning picture of liver health in Chennai. Between June 2024 and March 2025, the laboratory analysed over 10,000 abdominal scans from across the city. Nearly 30 per cent of those scans revealed signs of fatty liver disease, with the majority of cases falling into the early but critical Grade I category.
The average age of those affected was just under 50, but what stood out even more was how the disease had quietly crept into younger age groups.
Adults in their 30s and even late 20s were beginning to show early signs of liver fat build-up. Many of these individuals had no symptoms at all – no warning signs until they came in for a routine health check.
Men were significantly more affected than women. In Grade II cases, nearly three out of every four patients were male. In Grade III – where the liver is already inflamed and struggling – the disparity widened even further. Experts believe that a mix of hormonal, lifestyle, and possibly genetic factors could be at play here.
Further north, Hyderabad and the wider Telangana region are telling a similar – if not more pressing – story. Fresh screening data from across the state shows that nearly 54 per cent of individuals tested showed signs of fatty liver, with most cases concentrated in the early stages.
In total, nearly 16,000 people were diagnosed with Grade I fatty liver, making up 49 per cent of the sample. Another 5 per cent had already progressed to Grade II, where the liver begins to show signs of inflammation. A small but significant number – 80 individuals – were in Grade III, and six had already reached Grade IV, where cirrhosis sets in and liver function can be critically impaired. Just 46 per cent of those screened had normal livers.
These numbers underscore how fatty liver has quietly become a widespread issue, even in those who do not exhibit symptoms. Doctors across Hyderabad say that standard liver function tests often miss early disease. In fact, many of these individuals had normal enzyme levels – the fat build-up was only caught through imaging like ultrasounds or fibroscans.
Among these, a staggering 85 per cent were non-drinkers, shifting the focus firmly away from alcohol and towards metabolic causes. Specialists now routinely refer to this condition as Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), which ties it more closely to the twin crises of obesity and diabetes.
Over three-quarters were obese. Among those with diabetes, the prevalence of fatty liver rose to 82 per cent. Even pre-diabetics were not spared – 70 per cent of them had fat build-up in the liver. Hypertension, too, seemed to be a common thread.
According to Head of Radiology at Neuberg Diagnostics, Dr Bavaharan R, the trend is deeply worrying but also preventable. “Fatty liver disease, especially in its early stages, often goes unnoticed due to the lack of symptoms. But it can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even liver cancer if not addressed. What we’re seeing in Chennai is the result of a perfect storm – poor diet, sedentary jobs, chronic stress, and alcohol. But it’s also an opportunity. We’re detecting more cases early, and that means we can intervene before real damage sets in.”
He pointed out that they are increasingly seeing early-stage fatty liver even among individuals in their 30s and 40s, particularly males. “With routine ultrasound imaging, we are able to catch these changes early, often before symptoms appear. This reinforces the importance of preventive health check-ups. Through timely diagnosis, lifestyle intervention, and clinical monitoring, we can help reduce the risk of serious liver complications in the future.”
“Once seen as a concern only for those who consumed alcohol, fatty liver appears to emerge as an important health issue linked to obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. More than half had normal blood tests – meaning traditional diagnostics alone are not enough for a thorough evaluation,” said Apollo Hospital in its Health of the Nation 2025 report.
One of the most dangerous aspects of fatty liver disease is how quietly it progresses. Grade I and Grade II stages may not cause any symptoms at all. People go about their daily lives, unaware that their liver – one of the hardest-working organs in the body – is under increasing strain.
By the time the disease reaches Grade III, the liver is inflamed and damaged. At Grade IV – cirrhosis – scar tissue takes over and the organ may stop working altogether. This stage can lead to liver failure, even requiring a transplant in extreme cases.
But the story is not all grim. Liver specialists stress that if caught early, fatty liver is entirely reversible. Through consistent changes in diet, exercise, and regular monitoring, the liver can recover – just like that greasy sponge can be rinsed, dried, and brought back to life.
Doctors recommend a diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and liver-friendly foods like garlic, green tea, and turmeric. Daily physical activity – even walking – can make a huge difference. And alcohol, even in moderation, should be avoided if there is any sign of liver fat.
Sleep and mental health also play roles, as chronic stress and sleep deprivation can impact how the liver heals. Doctors advise repeat testing every few months to monitor progress and adjust lifestyle plans accordingly.
(Edited by Dese Gowda)
