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Fatty Liver Epidemic? 80% Of IT Employees In India Affected! Signs To Watch Out For

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Posted By
Pallavi Mehra
Publish Date
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February 28, 2025
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Fatty Liver Epidemic? 80 Of IT Employees In India Affected! Signs To Watch Out For (Image Credits: iStock)

The Information Technology (IT) sector is a key pillar of India's economy, employing over 5.4 million professionals. However, the nature of IT jobs includes sitting for long hours, high work-related stress, irregular sleep cycles, and poor dietary habits, which is now contributing to a significant health crisis: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). A recent study has found that an alarming 84 per cent of IT employees in India are affected by this condition.

Study Reveals Shocking Numbers

A major study conducted by scientists from the University of Hyderabad, led by Prof. Kalyankar Mahadev and Prof. C T Anitha, along with research scholars Mr Bharam Bhargava and Ms Nanditha Pramod, in collaboration with senior hepatologist Dr PN Rao and his team from the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) hospital, has revealed a startling prevalence of fatty liver disease among IT employees.
According to their findings, 84 per cent of IT professionals have MAFLD, a condition where more than 5% of the liver's weight consists of fat. If left unchecked, this can lead to severe complications, including liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and the need for liver transplantation.

Why Are IT Employees at High Risk?The study shows several behavioural and metabolic risk factors contributing to the high incidence of fatty liver disease among IT workers. These include:
    Sedentary Lifestyle: Sitting for prolonged hours reduces calorie burn and increases fat accumulation.
  • Unhealthy Diet: High-calorie foods, processed meals, and sugar-sweetened beverages contribute to fat buildup in the liver.
  • Lack of Physical Activity: Limited movement leads to poor metabolism and higher fat retention.
  • Work Stress & Sleep Deprivation: Chronic stress and irregular sleep patterns impact liver health by increasing insulin resistance.
  • Metabolic Disorders: The study also found that 71 per cent of IT employees were obese, and 34 per cent had metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of fatty liver, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

    • Signs of Fatty Liver Disease to Watch Out For

    Fatty liver disease is often silent in its early stages, meaning symptoms may not appear until the condition worsens. However, here are some warning signs to be aware of:
      Unexplained Fatigue
  • Abdominal Discomfort or Pain (especially on the right side)
  • Unintentional Weight Gain or Difficulty Losing Weight
  • Swelling in the Abdomen (Ascites in severe cases)
  • Dark Urine and Pale Stools
  • Yellowing of the Skin or Eyes (Jaundice, in advanced stages)

    • How IT Employees Can Protect Their Liver Health

    Given the high prevalence of MAFLD in the IT workforce, experts recommend lifestyle modifications as the best preventive measure. Here’s what IT employees can do to reverse or prevent fatty liver disease:

    1. Increase Physical Activity

      Engage in at least 30–45 minutes of exercise daily, including walking, jogging, or strength training.
  • Avoid sitting for long hours—take breaks, stretch, or use a standing desk.

    • 2. Adopt a Healthy Diet

      Reduce the intake of processed foods, sugary beverages, and refined carbs.
  • Include fibre-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
  • Opt for lean proteins such as fish, chicken, tofu, and legumes.

    • 3. Manage Stress and Sleep

      Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep each night.
  • Practice stress-management techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.

    • 4. Regular Health Screenings

      Routine liver function tests and ultrasound scans can help detect fatty liver disease early.
  • Monitor blood sugar levels, cholesterol, and blood pressure to prevent metabolic disorders.
    • The study’s findings urge both employees and companies to take proactive steps in addressing lifestyle-related health risks.
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