A recent study has found that 84% of IT employees in India suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). The study was conducted by scientists and researchers from the University of Hyderabad (UoH) in collaboration with a senior hepatologist from the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) Hospital.
The study also revealed that 71% of IT employees are obese, and about 34% suffer from metabolic syndrome. This condition increases the risk of fatty liver disease, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. The main causes of these health issues are a sedentary lifestyle, long hours of desk work, work-related stress, lack of sleep, and shift work. Poor eating habits, such as consuming high-calorie foods and sugary drinks, along with a lack of physical activity, further contribute to these health risks.
The research was carried out by Prof. Kalyankar Mahadev and Prof. CT Anitha, along with their research scholars Bharam Bhargava and Nanditha Pramod. They worked in collaboration with senior hepatologist Dr. PN Rao and his team from AIG Hospital. Their findings have been accepted for publication in the peer-reviewed journal Scientific Reports by Nature Publishers.
According to researchers, fatty liver disease develops when more than 5% of fat accumulates in the liver due to unhealthy lifestyle choices. If left untreated, the condition can worsen and lead to severe liver diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer, which may require a liver transplant.
Although many IT companies have health and wellness programs in place, experts advise employees to take advantage of these programs for their well-being. Regular health check-ups, screening for fatty liver, maintaining a proper work-life balance, and managing stress effectively can help reduce the risk of developing fatty liver disease.
