Rising Burden Of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver; Screening Drive Launched

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The state health department has started a drive to test fatty liver disease among all citizens aged above 30 years. Under this, the waist size, weight and height of citizens will be measured during door-to-door campaign.

In 2025, NAFLD prevalence varies significantly across country, with some areas showing higher rates than others. Studies suggest a high prevalence in states like Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, where nearly half the population screened exhibited signs of Grade I fatty liver, a condition linked to obesity and metabolic imbalances.

Other regions, including states like Madhya Pradesh, are launching screening and management campaigns to address the rising burden of NAFLD.

The Healthy Liver Mission includes identification and evaluation of risk factors, awareness about liver health, referral and follow-up for suspected and confirmed cases, training of doctors and health workers.

Along with investigation of suspected cases, advice is being given to consume nutritious food available at home, to stay away from alcohol and smoking to keep the liver healthy.

Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Bhopal Dr Prabhakar Tiwari said that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was emerging as a major public health problem, which is related to diseases like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. Timely identification and management and risk factors can be reduced.