India's Dual Health Crisis: Obesity and Fatty Liver Disease Reach Epidemic Proportions
Obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now clinically termed Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), represent two of the fastest-growing non-communicable disease epidemics in India over the past decade. The World Health Organization defines obesity as a chronic, complex condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation that significantly impairs health. Body Mass Index (BMI) remains the most widely used metric for classification, where a BMI of 25 or above indicates overweight status, and a BMI of 30 or higher qualifies as obesity.
Alarming Prevalence Statistics Across Age Groups
Recent data reveals a disturbing upward trend in obesity rates among both adults and children. According to the Press Information Bureau, approximately 24% of Indian women and 23% of Indian men are currently overweight or obese. Within the 15-49 age bracket, 6.4% of women and 4.0% of men meet the clinical criteria for obesity.
The situation among children is particularly concerning. The percentage of children under five years classified as overweight (based on weight-for-height measurements) has increased from 2.1% during the National Family Health Survey-4 (2015-16) to 3.4% in NFHS-5 (2019-21). This represents a significant rise in pediatric obesity within a relatively short timeframe.
The Inextricable Link Between Obesity and MASLD
As obesity prevalence escalates, so does the incidence of MASLD. The overall pooled prevalence of MASLD in India stands at 38.6% among adults and 35.4% among children. This condition carries severe long-term health consequences, including increased risks of liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and adverse cardiovascular effects. The parallel rise of these two conditions creates a compounded public health challenge.
Minimally Invasive Therapies: A Modern Solution
Medical advancements have introduced a new category of obesity treatment: minimally invasive endoscopic therapies. These procedures require no major surgery, involve minimal recovery time, and demonstrate excellent safety profiles. Two prominent examples include endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) and intragastric balloon (IB) placement.
Dr. Rajesh Puri, Vice Chairman of Intervention Gastroenterology at Medanta's Institute of Digestive and Hepatobiliary Sciences, emphasizes that while lifestyle modifications remain crucial, combining these with minimally invasive procedures creates sustainable weight loss solutions that improve metabolic health over the long term.
Why India Urgently Needs These Advanced Therapies
Several factors make minimally invasive therapies particularly relevant for the Indian context:
- Earlier Disease Onset: Obesity-related conditions are appearing at younger ages in India compared to other countries, making early intervention critical.
- Practical Advantages: These therapies typically require short hospital stays or none at all, making them ideal for working professionals and individuals with busy schedules.
- Safety for High-Risk Patients: People with existing cardiac, respiratory, or metabolic disorders who may not qualify for major surgical procedures can often safely undergo minimally invasive alternatives.
- Metabolic Benefits: These therapies enhance satiety and restore metabolic function, facilitating the adoption of healthier lifestyle patterns.
Broader Health System Implications
Clinically tested minimally invasive procedures can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, and advanced fatty liver disease. This not only improves individual health outcomes but also alleviates long-term strain on families and the healthcare system as a whole.
India is undergoing a rapid epidemiological transition where underweight populations are increasingly being replaced by overweight and obese demographics. Recognizing obesity as a chronic disease affecting all age groups—rather than merely a matter of weight gain—is essential for developing effective public health responses.
In this challenging scenario, the adoption of minimally invasive techniques represents an important advancement in medical care. These therapies enable intervention before complications become severe, allowing for faster recovery with minimal disruption to patients' lives.
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the experts and organizations concerned. This content should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your treating physician for personalized medical guidance.
