Fatty liver increases risk of cancer: Nadda

In observance of World Liver Day 2025, Union health minister JP Nadda on Monday said fatty liver not only impacts liver function, but also significantly increased the risk of heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and even cancer.

Speaking at the Liver Health Pledge Ceremony, Nadda said: “As we all know, the liver is one of the most vital organs of our body that performs essential functions like digestion, detoxification, and energy storage. If the liver is not healthy, the entire body suffers.”

The Health Minister said fatty liver was preventable and, to a great extent, reversible through the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and healthy food-habits. Nadda reiterated the PM's appeal of reducing oil usage in cooking by at least 10%. “This small yet powerful step can go a long way in ensuring better liver health and in reducing the burden of non-Communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country,” he said. 

Estimates say that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects approximately 32.4% of the global population, making it the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Moreover, the prevalence has increased from 26 per cent in 2005 to 38 per cent in recent years and was expected to reach 55.4 per cent by 2040.

Dr Harsh Mahajan, Founder & Chairman, Mahajan Imaging & Labs said, “Fatty liver often develops silently, with many individuals experiencing no noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, signs like persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain, abdominal discomfort, or elevated liver enzymes during routine blood tests can point to underlying issues. We strongly recommend individuals, especially those with risk factors such as obesity, diabetes or a sedentary lifestyle, to undergo a liver function test (LFT) and an abdominal ultrasound for early detection and timely intervention.”