Srinagar: Doctors in Jammu and Kashmir have raised concern over a sharp rise in fatty liver disease, calling it a growing but largely silent health crisis in the Valley.
Health experts say nearly one in three people in Kashmir may now be affected, a significant increase for a condition that was once considered uncommon. The trend is being linked to changing lifestyles, unhealthy diets, and reduced physical activity.
Speaking to Kashmir News Observer, Prof. Dr. Iqbal Saleem, Head of the Department of Surgery at Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, stressed that the liver plays a vital role in maintaining the body’s metabolism. He noted that a shift away from traditional diets toward processed and high-sugar foods has contributed heavily to the rise in cases.
Doctors say the problem is further aggravated by sedentary habits, with fewer people engaging in regular physical work or exercise compared to the past.
Medical professionals are particularly concerned about the increasing prevalence of Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its more severe form, Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, especially among younger individuals.
Gastroenterologist Dr. Ubaid Ahmad explained that poor diet and inactivity are major risk factors. Conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension significantly increase the likelihood of developing fatty liver.
Experts warn that if left untreated, the disease can lead to serious complications including liver fibrosis, chronic liver disease, and even liver cancer. In some cases, liver cancer is now emerging as a leading cause of liver-related deaths.
Doctors also highlighted a major dietary shift in Kashmir, where fast food and processed items are increasingly replacing traditional home-cooked meals. Alarmingly, children and teenagers are among the highest consumers of such unhealthy foods.
They noted that fatty liver is now being diagnosed in individuals in their early twenties, with prevalence rates as high as 60–70 percent among obese and diabetic patients.
A key concern is that fatty liver often shows no symptoms in its early stages, delaying diagnosis until the condition becomes severe.
Doctors are urging people to adopt healthier lifestyles, including balanced diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. They also recommend regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and controlling blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
“Small lifestyle changes can go a long way in preventing serious liver disease,” experts said, warning that ignoring the issue could lead to a major public health challenge in the coming years.
