Aarya Keshav, a 21-year-old law student from Delhi, was diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease after experiencing abdominal pain. She transformed her lifestyle within a year, losing 12 kg and improving her liver condition through diet and exercise. Dr. Shalimar stresses the importance of early diagnosis and highlights the rising prevalence of fatty liver disease in India, especially among the youth.
In New Delhi, 21-year-old Aarya Keshav’s life took a turn when a routine check-up revealed non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Unfamiliar with the condition, she was shocked to learn that her occasional fast food indulgences, coupled with a sedentary lifestyle, had led to fat accumulation in her liver. Her diagnosis also revealed she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), significantly impacted by her weight and lifestyle choices. Over the next year, Aarya made significant lifestyle changes, shedding 12 kg and reducing her fatty liver from grade 2 to grade 1. By prioritizing healthy home-cooked meals, sticking to a sleep schedule, and incorporating regular exercise, she successfully managed not only her liver health but also her PCOS symptoms. Her story highlights the incredible power of simple lifestyle modifications in combating health issues. Dr. Shalimar, a gastroenterology expert, emphasizes the silent nature of NAFLD, reminding us that early diagnosis is crucial to preventing more serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. With a growing number of adults affected by fatty liver in India, proactive liver health management is more important than ever. Aarya’s initial ultrasound revealed the seriousness of her condition, showing both signs of fat storage in her liver and indicators of PCOS. She learned that insufficient physical activity and hormonal imbalances from PCOS were significant risk factors contributing to her weight. The extra fat inflaming her liver underscored the intersection of obesity and metabolic issues. Healthcare experts explain that fatty liver emerges from excessive fat accumulation, often driven by carbohydrate-laden diets. Carbohydrates convert to triglycerides, leading to dangerously high fat levels in the liver. If not managed, this can initiate a dangerous cascade of metabolic dysfunction affecting overall health. While having a simple fatty liver may not raise immediate alarms, complications arise when inflammation and liver dysfunction begin. Regular blood tests and imaging can catch these issues early. Maintaining a connection between NAFLD and conditions like diabetes and heart disease is critical for comprehensive treatment.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing concern, particularly among young adults in India, where lifestyle choices are driving increased rates. As sedentary lifestyles prevail and fast food becomes more common, both obesity and metabolic disorders—such as type 2 diabetes and PCOS—risks rise dramatically. Understanding how these interrelated factors impact liver health is crucial for early detection and treatment of conditions like NAFLD, which often go unnoticed until later stages.
Aarya Keshav’s journey illustrates how proactive management of one’s health through diet and exercise can yield significant, positive changes, even in the face of serious conditions like NAFLD. As the prevalence of fatty liver diseases continues to rise, especially among younger populations, it underscores the importance of lifestyle choices. Moving forward, early diagnosis and sustained healthy habits are essential for combating this silent disease and ensuring better liver health for future generations.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
