84% of Hyderabad IT Professionals Suffer from Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Health Concern

In a worrying development, a recent study reveals that 84% of IT professionals in Hyderabad are affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). Union Health Minister JP Nadda shared these alarming figures in the Lok Sabha, citing a peer-reviewed 2025 study published in Nature Scientific Reports.

This health crisis, according to experts, is the direct result of an increasingly sedentary lifestyle, irregular eating patterns, high stress, and lack of physical activity—common traits among India’s tech workforce.

Over 70% were classified as obese, 34.2% had metabolic syndrome, and nearly 77% showed elevated LDL cholesterol levels.

These findings suggest that the health impact of modern desk-bound jobs goes far beyond simple weight gain, pointing instead to serious, long-term risks affecting multiple organs and systems.

One of the most dangerous aspects of MAFLD is how quietly it develops. Many individuals do not experience any noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, doctors have noted that some early warning signs may include abdominal weight gain, loss of appetite, and darkening of the skin on the neck. Despite these subtle signs, the disease can silently progress and lead to life-threatening complications such as liver cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, liver cancer, and kidney dysfunction if not addressed in time.

In response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases like MAFLD, the Ministry of Health has strengthened its initiatives under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). JP Nadda announced that all states and union territories have been directed to initiate mass screenings and risk assessments, especially targeting high-risk groups such as IT professionals and urban workers.

The ministry’s new guidelines also emphasize the importance of healthy eating, regular exercise, stress management, and routine medical checkups. The government plans to work with corporate offices, health departments, and wellness programs to raise awareness and improve preventive healthcare access for the working population.

The high incidence of fatty liver disease among young professionals is a reflection of India’s fast-paced urban lifestyle, particularly in tech hubs like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Pune, and Gurugram. Health experts are urging companies to adopt more employee-friendly wellness policies, such as encouraging short physical breaks, offering healthier food options in cafeterias, and promoting mental health support.

At the individual level, simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in reversing or preventing fatty liver. Eating a balanced, home-cooked diet, limiting processed foods and sugar, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are essential steps. Annual health check-ups, including liver function tests, are also recommended for early detection and intervention.

With Hyderabad being a major IT hub, the situation may reflect broader health patterns in India’s digital workforce. If left unchecked, MAFLD could silently spiral into a major public health crisis.

As the government rolls out new policies and programs, the responsibility also lies with individuals and organizations to adopt healthier habits and prioritize well-being in everyday life.

(Th/Eth/VK/MSM/SE)