Fatty Liver Turns a Silent Epidemic in India, Says Major Lancet Study

Nearly four out of ten Indian adults now have metabolic fatty liver disease, according to a large Lancet study. Most people do not feel sick, yet early liver damage has already started in many cases. Obesity, diabetes, and poor metabolic health are the main drivers. This silent disease is quickly turning into a serious public health crisis.

What the Lancet Study Found

The study published in The Lancet analysed adults from cities across India and revealed a worrying truth. More than one-third of Indian adults suffer from metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease, also called MASLD. This condition happens when fat builds up in the liver due to metabolic problems, not alcohol use.

Researchers found that many people already show signs of liver stiffness. This is an early warning for fibrosis, which can later lead to cirrhosis if ignored. The scary part is that most people had no symptoms at all.

How Big the Study Really Was

This was not a small or local survey. The study included over 10,000 adults from 27 cities across India. Data was collected through 37 CSIR laboratories between late 2023 and mid-2024. After careful screening, results from nearly 7,800 participants were analysed.

Out of them, around 3,700 people met the criteria for MASLD. The age-adjusted prevalence came close to 39 percent. This shows the problem is widespread and not limited to one region or age group.

Why Fatty Liver Is Rising So Fast

The study clearly points to obesity and diabetes as the biggest reasons. People with higher body weight, high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and unhealthy cholesterol levels were far more likely to have fatty liver.

Among people living with diabetes, the numbers were shocking. Nearly two-thirds had MASLD, and many already showed liver fibrosis. Older adults, especially those above 60, faced higher risk. Severe obesity made the condition even worse.

Why Most People Do Not Know They Have It

Fatty liver disease grows quietly. There is usually no pain, no warning signs, and no clear discomfort in early stages. People continue daily life thinking everything is normal, while liver damage slowly progresses.

The study highlights this silent nature as the biggest danger. By the time symptoms appear, damage is often advanced and harder to reverse.

Regional Differences Across India

The burden is not evenly spread. Higher prevalence was reported in northern, central, and southern regions of India. Lifestyle patterns, urban living, diet habits, and physical inactivity likely play a role.

Researchers stressed that India needs region-specific data and long-term tracking. One-size-fits-all solutions may not work for such a diverse population.

Why Early Screening Matters

The authors strongly recommend early screening, especially for high-risk and urban populations. They suggest using non-invasive tools like transient elastography to measure liver stiffness.

Early detection can prevent serious complications. Without it, MASLD and liver fibrosis may overload India’s healthcare system in the coming years.

What This Means for the Common Person

This study is a wake-up call. Fatty liver is no longer rare or limited to heavy drinkers. It is now linked to everyday habits, weight gain, and rising diabetes rates.

Simple lifestyle changes, regular health checks, and awareness can slow or even reverse early damage. Ignoring it, however, could turn a silent problem into a life-threatening one.

India is facing a liver health crisis quietly. The numbers are clear, and the time to act is now.