Hyderabad is facing a growing public health challenge: a surge in fatty liver disease. Nearly four out of every ten adults in the city – 40.9% – now have metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), a condition increasingly linked to lifestyle factors rather than alcohol consumption. This prevalence is slightly higher than the national average of 38.9%, according to a large-scale study published in ‘The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia’.
The study, led by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), examined over 10,000 adults across 27 Indian cities between December 2023 and June 2024. Researchers found that nearly half of men (46%) and over a third of women (36.2%) in Hyderabad carry excess fat in their livers alongside metabolic risk factors like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or abnormal cholesterol levels. The rising rates of MASLD underscore a broader trend of metabolic disorders gaining traction in urban populations across India.
Hyderabad Among Cities with Highest Prevalence
Hyderabad isn’t alone in experiencing this trend. Among major metropolitan areas, Delhi recorded the highest prevalence of MASLD at 41.3%, followed closely by Chennai at 41.2%. Bengaluru reported a prevalence of 40.6%, placing Hyderabad among the most affected large cities in the country. These figures highlight a concerning pattern across India’s urban centers.
Obesity is emerging as a key driver of the disease. The study found that individuals with class-2 obesity had nearly 14 times higher risk of developing MASLD compared to those of normal weight. Diabetes doubled the risk, while hypertension and abnormal cholesterol levels further increased vulnerability. Doctors are also noting the rise of “lean fatty liver,” a condition where individuals with a normal body weight develop the disease due to underlying metabolic risks like diabetes or excess abdominal fat.
IT Professionals at Increased Risk
A 2025 survey by the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology further illustrates the scale of the problem. The survey revealed that over 25% of urban residents and approximately 20% of rural populations in the region are affected by fatty liver disease. Notably, the prevalence among IT employees – a demographic often characterized by prolonged sitting and high stress levels – soared to 84%.
The consequences of this growing epidemic are already becoming visible in healthcare settings. Specialists in Hyderabad report a sharp increase in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary liver cancer. Weekly diagnoses have nearly doubled in recent years, signaling a worrying trend. “HCC is caused by cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), alcohol abuse, viral infections like hepatitis B and C, and increasingly by fatty liver diseases linked to obesity and diabetes,” explained Dr. Mukta Srinivasulu, former director of MNJ Cancer Hospital. As reported by NewsMeter, the obesity epidemic, sedentary lifestyle, and poor diet are now major contributing factors.
A Reversible Condition, But Early Detection is Key
Despite the alarming statistics, experts emphasize that fatty liver disease is often reversible if detected early. Dr. Anand Kulkarni, senior consultant hepatologist at AIG Hospitals, noted a shift in disease patterns. “We are seeing that nearly 40–50% of our liver cancer patients are relatively young. Many come late, often with large tumours and sudden severe abdominal pain. Diabetes is a common underlying factor.” He added that fatty liver has overtaken viral hepatitis as a major driver of serious liver complications.
“Fat in the liver is a warning sign,” Dr. Kulkarni explained. “It can double the risk of heart disease and significantly raise the risk of heart failure. Early detection is the key, as fatty liver can be reversed within 3 to 6 months. Even early fibrosis can improve within 8 to 10 months with proper treatment and lifestyle changes.”
AI-Powered Screening on the Horizon
Recognizing the growing burden on the healthcare system, officials are exploring innovative solutions. The government is considering deploying artificial intelligence (AI)-based screening tools in public hospitals to identify high-risk individuals earlier. “It is being discussed to deploy AI-enabled screening tools in public healthcare institutions that can quickly analyse routine health data to identify people at high risk of fatty liver, so they can be referred for further evaluation and care, making screening more accessible, affordable and scalable alongside other non-communicable disease interventions,” an official stated.
The rise in MASLD in Hyderabad, and across India, is a clear indication that lifestyle choices are having a profound impact on public health. Addressing this issue will require a concerted effort to promote healthier lifestyles, increase awareness of the risks, and improve access to early detection, and treatment. The next step in addressing this public health threat will be the implementation of the AI-based screening program in public hospitals, with initial results expected in late 2026.
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