Chennai: The combination of prolonged desk hours, irregular sleep patterns, physical inactivity, and a growing reliance on processed foods is driving a sharp increase in fatty liver disease among young corporate employees in Chennai. Many patients in their late 20s and early 30s are showing significant fat accumulation in the liver, despite having no symptoms, obesity, or history of alcohol consumption.
Silent Progression of Fatty Liver
Doctors emphasize that fatty liver often develops silently, with patients remaining symptom-free until the condition is detected during routine scans. “Most young IT professionals come for a health check-up feeling perfectly normal and are shocked when scans reveal Grade 1 or even Grade 2 fatty liver,” said Dr. Rama Krishnan, consultant radiologist at Neuberg Diagnostics.
Grading and Risks
Explaining the grading system, doctors noted that Grade 1 indicates mild fat accumulation, Grade 2 reflects moderate or significant fat buildup, and Grade 3 points to severe fatty infiltration, which increases the risk of inflammation and liver damage. If left untreated over years, the condition can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer.
“On ultrasound, we look for a ‘bright liver’, where the liver appears whiter than the kidney because fat changes the way sound waves are reflected,” said Dr. Rama Krishnan. “I have seen 26-year-old software engineers in Chennai with Grade 2 fatty liver despite completely normal blood reports,” he added.
Major Triggers in Urban Professionals
Doctors pointed out that sedentary work culture, prolonged sitting, irregular sleep cycles, and consumption of processed foods are major triggers among urban professionals. “Even non-drinkers and physically fit people are developing fatty liver. The old assumption that liver disease affects only alcohol consumers or obese individuals is outdated,” said Dr. Joy Varghese, director of hepatology and liver transplant surgeon at Gleneagles Hospital.
Screening and Reversibility
While ultrasound remains the first screening tool, specialists recommend FibroScan for assessing the severity of fatty liver and detecting early fibrosis. “FibroScan is painless, takes only a few minutes, and can identify fatty liver before symptoms appear,” Dr. Varghese said.
Doctors stressed that early-stage fatty liver is reversible through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, proper sleep, and weight management. They are now urging companies, particularly in the IT sector, to include annual liver screening in routine health check-ups to detect the disease before irreversible damage sets in.
