New Delhi | Amid growing concerns over the increasing cases of fatty liver disease in India, Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed the Parliament that states and Union Territories have been directed to carry out screenings and risk assessments to tackle the condition effectively.
Responding to a query in the Lok Sabha, Nadda said the Centre has issued operational guidelines to promote awareness of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and encourage healthy lifestyle interventions. Formerly termed Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), MAFLD is marked by excess fat buildup in the liver and is strongly linked with obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
“The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued operational guidelines under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases, which recommend a healthy diet, regular physical activity, weight management, and reduced sugar and saturated fat intake to prevent and manage NAFLD,” Nadda stated.
He added that all states and UTs have been advised to undertake screening and risk stratification by healthcare providers and ensure appropriate referrals as per these guidelines.
Highlighting the increasing prevalence of the disease, Nadda cited two recent studies. One, published in the Nature Scientific Reports journal in 2025, examined 345 IT employees in Hyderabad and found that 84.06% showed signs of liver fat accumulation, while 34.2% had metabolic syndrome.
Another Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-led study under the Indian Metabolic and Liver Disease (IMELD) project evaluated risk factors in rural Rajasthan. It revealed that 37.19% of participants had fatty liver disease, with higher prevalence in males and those who consumed fast food weekly (76.3%).
To address the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer, Nadda said comprehensive primary healthcare services are being delivered through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Public awareness is being boosted through observance of national and international health days.
He also highlighted the role of the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), which is actively spreading awareness about liver health via social media platforms. Additionally, the Fit India movement by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, along with yoga initiatives by the Ministry of Ayush, are being promoted to encourage healthier lifestyles.
