What You Should Know About NAFLD In India

Let's talk about something that's becoming surprisingly common, but still rarely discussed.

If you've ever been told you have a "fatty liver" during a routine checkup, you're far from alone. Nearly 1 in 3 Indian adults and children may be dealing with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Many people first hear about it only after a scan or blood test, which leads to the obvious question: What is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

NAFLD full form is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. It refers to excess fat buildup in the liver that is not caused by alcohol consumption. Over time, this fat accumulation can affect liver function if left unaddressed.

The “But my weight seems fine” reality

A lot of people react with surprise: “Fatty liver? But my weight has always been normal.”

And that reaction makes sense. Around 10–15% of Indians with fatty liver have a completely normal BMI. This is because Indians tend to store fat around internal organs rather than under the skin. So even if nothing looks concerning on the outside, the liver may still be affected.

This pattern is closely linked to insulin resistance, which is one of the most important NAFLD causes. It also explains what causes non alcoholic fatty liver disease in people who are not overweight.

Why NAFLD is rising

Modern lifestyles and genetics are working together here. Some of the most common non-alcoholic fatty liver disease causes include:

• Insulin resistance
• Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes
• High cholesterol or triglycerides
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Diets high in processed or sugary foods
• Genetic predisposition (which varies across Indian populations)

Longer working hours, reduced physical activity, and easier access to processed foods all contribute to the issue. These lifestyle shifts are strongly linked to rising NAFLD symptoms across cities.

NAFLD symptoms: Why many people miss the warning signs

One reason NAFLD is so often missed is that NAFLD symptoms are usually mild or absent in early stages. When present, they may include:

• Fatigue
• Mild discomfort on the right side of the abdomen
• Unexplained weight gain
• Abnormal liver blood tests

From fat to fibrosis: NAFLD stages

NAFLD progresses gradually through different NAFLD stages:

• Simple fatty liver (steatosis)
• Inflammation (NASH – non-alcoholic steatohepatitis)
• Fibrosis (scarring)
• Cirrhosis (advanced liver damage)

Early stages are reversible, which is why awareness matters so much. Doctors usually rely on a combination of clinical findings and investigations to meet NAFLD diagnosis criteria, to detect fat and scarring in the liver, ruling out alcohol-related liver disease, and assessing metabolic risk factors like diabetes, insulin resistance, and abnormal cholesterol levels.

What might help (at your own pace)

1. Consider getting checked

A liver scan or non-invasive test during a regular checkup can detect fat and early scarring. This is especially useful if you have diabetes, cholesterol issues, or a family history of liver disease.

2. Movement that fits your life

Walking, household work, gardening, or playing with children—all movement counts. Regular physical activity is one of the most effective NAFLD treatment strategies.

3. Food changes, when you're ready

There's no single "perfect" diet. Even small, sustainable changes help with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment, such as:

• More whole foods
• Less processed sugar
• Mindful eating instead of strict restriction

4. Managing blood sugar and weight

Losing even 5–10% of body weight can significantly improve early NAFLD. Blood sugar control also plays a major role in slowing disease progression.

5. Medical options

While lifestyle changes are the foundation, medical interventions may be recommended in certain cases. A doctor can guide you on appropriate NAFLD treatment based on your stage and risk factors.

What does this all mean

Your liver works nonstop—filtering toxins, storing energy, and supporting digestion. Most of the time, it does this quietly. NAFLD often develops quietly, too.

The good news is that early detection opens the door to effective non-alcoholic fatty liver disease treatment and long-term liver health. A routine checkup and gradual lifestyle changes can make a meaningful difference.

So the next time you visit your doctor, it might be worth adding one more question to the list, right alongside the usual tests.