Union Health and Family Welfare Minister JP Nadda on Friday informed the Lok Sabha of a worrying trend: a significant number of IT professionals in Hyderabad are suffering from metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and metabolic syndrome (MetS).
Study Reveals High MAFLD Rates in Hyderabad’s IT Sector
Responding to a question by Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, Minister Nadda cited findings from a recent study published in Nature Scientific Reports Journal (2025). The study, titled “Prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease among Information Technology Employees in India”, examined 345 IT employees in Hyderabad.
- 84.06% (290 individuals) showed increased liver fat, indicating MAFLD.
- 34.2% (118 individuals) had metabolic syndrome.
- 71% of those surveyed were also found to be obese.
As reported by TOI, these numbers highlight the growing health risks in sedentary, high-stress work environments typical of the IT industry.
ICMR-Led Study Targets Broader Liver Health Concerns
JP Nadda also mentioned a separate ICMR-backed study under the Indian Metabolic and Liver Disease (IMELD) Phase-I initiative. Conducted with the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Delhi, the study aims to understand regional risk factors for:
- Fatty Liver Disease (FLD)
- Metabolic Syndrome (MetS)
- Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
- Hypertension (HTN)
This research focuses on rural populations, providing critical data for broader public health interventions.
Government’s Action Plan to Address NAFLD and Related Conditions
To combat rising cases of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), the Union Health Ministry has released operational guidelines under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). These guidelines promote:
- A balanced and healthy diet
- Regular physical activity
- Weight management
- Reduced sugar and saturated fat intake
States and Union Territories have been advised to implement screening and risk stratification through healthcare providers. They must also ensure proper referrals for those identified as at risk.
Conclusion
With lifestyle diseases on the rise, especially among professionals in sedentary jobs, the government is urging proactive screening, preventive care, and health education. The findings from Hyderabad underscore the urgency to integrate liver health assessments into routine check-ups and workplace wellness initiatives.