Not alcohol or junk food, Mumbai doctors say these are the new triggers for fatty liver in youngsters

Fatty liver disease is no longer limited to those who consume junk food or alcohol because there is more to it than meets the eye amid tradiitonally known causesWhile it is traditionally linked to the accumulation of excess fat in liver cells due to obesity type 2 diabetes high cholesterol and sugarheavy diets a new pattern is emergingCauses of fatty liver in youngstersIn 2026 Mumbai doctors are seeing a rise in fatty liver among young professionals because of chronic stress genetics certain medications and modern lifestyle habits Long working hours irregular meals lack of exercise and constant digital exposure are silently affecting liver health even in individuals who appear otherwise healthyHealth experts advise adhering to a wellbalanced lifestyle destressing by practicing yoga and meditation getting a sound sleep of 89 hours per day cutting down on screen time avoiding latenight meals exercising daily and taking regular breaks while working It is important to prioritize liver healthWhat is Fatty LiverFatty liver also called as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease NAFLD or Metabolically DysregulatedAssociated Steatotic Liver Disease MASLD disease happens when excess fat tends to build up in the liver cells without obvious symptoms in the early stagesFatty liver is commonly linked to factors such as obesity insulin resistance alcohol high cholesterol genetics and unhealthy eating habits Unfortunately now youngsters who have highpressure jobs are also struggling with fatty liverDr Roy Patankar Director Gastrointestinal amp Laparoscopic Surgeon and Director Zen Multispeciality Hospital Chembur explains In a week 1012 young working professionals aged 2535 are diagnosed with fatty liver who are not overweight or have alcohol but are under constant stress Stress constant deadlines long working hours lack of sleep and excessive screen time can raise the cortisol levels which impact the metabolism and promote fat buildup in the liver Poor sleep and late eating habits reduce the liverrsquos ability to repair and detoxify itself This combination silently increases the risk of fatty liver even in otherwise healthy individualsThe symptoms are silent while some may experience fatigue mild abdominal discomfort or unexplained weight changes Hence the spike in cases of fatty liver disease needs timely attention Over time this can progress to inflammation fibrosis and even cirrhosis if left uncheckedrdquo he addsTreatment of Fatty LiverDr Patankar further shares ldquoThe young professionals will be advised FibroScan as it provides a noninvasive way to assess liver fat and stiffness helping in early diagnosis before serious damage occurs Remember that early fatty liver is often reversible It will be imperative for everyone to destress by opting for relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation sleep well every day for 89 hours eat a balanced diet rich in fruits vegetables bid adieu to junk oily canned and processed foods and even regular exercise can help reduce liver fat Regular health checkups and screening can prevent complications and support longterm liver healthrdquoDr Ameet Mandot who is the director ndash Hepatology Gleneagles Hospital Parel concludes ldquoFatty liver is no longer just a lifestyle disease associated with diet or alcohol It is now seen in many young professionals dealing with heavy workload causing stress meetings deadlines stress of completing the targets job insecurity unclear boundaries and expectations at work In a month 57 young professionals aged 2535 who visit me are getting detected with fatty liver due to constant stress irregular routines and lack of sleep are quietly disrupting metabolism and leading to fat accumulation in the liver The symptoms can be weight loss changes bloating and digestive discomfort abdominal pain and tiredness They are advised to eat a nutritious diet destress take regular breaks exercise cut down on screen time and sleep well Timely management of fatty liver is key to improving the quality of life of the patient