Fatty liver disease is no longer considered a health problem that mainly affects adults. It is increasingly being seen in children as well, raising concerns among health experts. Changing eating habits, increasing obesity, lack of physical activity, and metabolic health problems are among the major factors linked to the growing burden.

Experts are urging families to pay greater attention to children's diet, physical activity, and overall metabolic health rather than waiting for symptoms to appear.

How common is fatty liver in India?

According to Dr. Piyush Vishwakarma, Consultant in Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant at RG Hospitals, fatty liver disease is increasingly referred to as MASLD, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.

Estimates suggest that MASLD affects around 16% to 32% of India's population, potentially representing more than 100 million people.

The figures among children are also concerning. An analysis of multiple studies involving more than 26,000 participants found fatty liver in around 35.4% of children studied. The proportion was substantially higher among children with obesity, reaching about 63.4%.

These figures highlight why children's metabolic health deserves greater attention.

Why are children developing fatty liver?

Fatty liver develops when excess fat accumulates in the liver. In children, it is often associated with obesity and metabolic problems.

Several factors can increase the risk, including:

• Excess body weight, particularly abdominal fat

• Type 2 diabetes or high blood sugar

• Insulin resistance

• High blood pressure

• Lack of regular physical activity

• Excessive intake of highly processed and calorie-dense foods

Long periods of sitting can also contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. Children who spend several hours each day on phones, computers, or other screens may be less physically active.

Is the IT lifestyle also contributing to the problem?

Fatty liver can affect people across different occupations and age groups. However, research involving IT professionals in India has highlighted concerns related to prolonged sitting, irregular routines, physical inactivity, and unhealthy dietary habits.

Similar lifestyle-related risks are increasingly relevant to children and teenagers, particularly as sedentary screen-based activities become a larger part of daily life.

Why is early detection important?

Fatty liver may not cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. This means a child can have excess fat in the liver without parents realizing there is a problem.

Over time, metabolic dysfunction and persistent liver inflammation can increase the risk of more serious liver problems. Fatty liver is also closely linked with conditions such as obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes.

This is why children with significant risk factors should be evaluated by a healthcare professional rather than relying only on visible symptoms.

How can parents help prevent fatty liver?

Prevention starts with everyday habits. Children should be encouraged to eat a balanced diet containing vegetables, fruits, whole grains, pulses, and appropriate sources of protein.

At the same time, highly processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive calorie-dense snacks should be limited.

Regular physical activity is equally important. Parents can encourage children to spend more time playing outdoors, walking, cycling, or participating in sports and other activities they enjoy.

Reducing prolonged sitting and excessive recreational screen time can also help children stay active.

The message for parents

The rise of fatty liver among children is closely connected with broader problems such as childhood obesity and metabolic health. Rather than focusing only on the liver, parents should pay attention to a child's overall lifestyle.

A balanced diet, regular physical activity, healthy body weight, and timely medical evaluation when risk factors are present can go a long way toward protecting children's liver and long-term health.