CHANDIGARH, 29.09.25-Under the ongoing "Swasth Naari, Sashakt Parivar" campaign, a highly engaged audience gathered at the Hepatology OPD of PGIMER for an expert talk on fatty liver disease. The session, led by Prof. & Head Ajay Duseja, Dr. Sunil Taneja, and Dr. Arka De from the Department of Hepatology, provided valuable insights into the causes, prevention, and treatment of the condition.
Prof. Ajay Duseja clarified that fatty liver disease, caused by an accumulation of fat in the liver, is directly associated with obesity. He explained that if left untreated, it can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and eventually liver cirrhosis. Prof. Duseja highlighted the alarming prevalence, stating, "Every second person has fatty liver, although only 10% will see disease progression." He stressed that obesity is the primary culprit and that lifestyle modification, with a goal of approximately 10% weight loss in six months, can significantly reduce fatty liver.
Covering the prevention of fatty liver, Dr. Sunil Taneja explained how simple lifestyle modifications—such as regular exercise and a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables—can be highly effective. Dr. Taneja also emphasized the link between uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension and the development of fatty liver, stressing the importance of medication compliance and consistency. He added that "Yoga is found to be immensely beneficial in both the prevention and treatment."
Dr. Arka De reinforced that prevention and treatment practices are closely aligned. He recommended consistency with exercises and calorie restriction, providing practical examples like decreasing one's intake by a third, such as taking two chapatis instead of three. Dr. De clarified that medication is typically needed only if the disease progresses. He concluded by explaining that while the liver is a highly regenerative organ, end-stage liver failure necessitates a liver transplant. He advised patients to aim for their ideal weight, which can be calculated by subtracting 100 from their height in centimeters.
Prof. Ajay Duseja concluded the session by summarizing that a healthy, portion-controlled diet—and the avoidance of sweets, fried foods, junk foods, alcohol, and biscuits—is the ultimate weapon against fatty liver disease, making the condition very treatable.