Fatty Liver Epidemic Sweeps India, Affecting 40-50 Crore People

According to the latest reports, the fatty liver disease epidemic in India has reached alarming proportions as of August 2025. The new terminology for the condition, Steatotic Liver Disease, has been widely adopted over the past two years. Comprehensive studies have revealed that an estimated 35-40% of the Indian adult population is currently affected by this condition, and the situation is even more dire for children, with around 35% of Indian children also diagnosed with fatty liver disease.

When combined, these figures suggest that a staggering 40-50 crore people in India are currently living with fatty liver disease, a startling statistic that highlights the urgent need for intervention. Fatty liver is not just a standalone issue but often serves as a precursor or co-presenter of other major health problems, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and even certain types of cancer. Individuals with fatty liver have a significantly higher predisposition to these conditions, and if left unaddressed, the disease could snowball into a major national health crisis, leading to complications such as liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Experts emphasize that immediate action is required to curb this growing epidemic through public awareness, lifestyle interventions, and early screening. By making healthy changes to their diet and physical activity levels, individuals can prevent and even potentially reverse the effects of fatty liver disease, ultimately safeguarding their long-term health and well-being.