Experts warned that the disease often shows very mild or no early symptoms.
Rising Fatty Liver Cases Among Children Linked to Junk Food, Sedentary Lifestyle
Health experts have reported a rising trend of fatty liver disease among children, linking it to sedentary lifestyles, excessive screen time, and increased consumption of junk food. Once considered a condition affecting people over 40, it is now being observed in children and teenagers as young as 10.
Dr. Ali Sher, senior physician in internal medicine at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Delhi, said that studies indicate around 35 percent of children may show signs of fatty liver, rising to 60 percent among obese children. He noted that rapid weight gain among school-going children aged 10 to 15 is a key factor contributing to the condition.
Experts warned that the disease often shows very mild or no early symptoms. Some children may experience fatigue, mild discomfort on the right side of the abdomen, or reduced appetite, and the condition is sometimes detected only through routine blood tests or ultrasound examinations.
Dr. G.S. Lamba, director of gastroenterology and hepatology at Shri Balaji Action Medical Institute, emphasized that timely detection is crucial. Children with obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, or insulin resistance are at higher risk, and regular medical check-ups are advised to catch the disease early.
According to specialists, fatty liver in children can gradually progress to more serious conditions, including liver inflammation, fibrosis, or cirrhosis, and may increase the risk of heart disease and other complications. Experts urged parents to monitor their children’s diet, reduce junk food, increase physical activity, and limit screen time to prevent the disease.
(With Inputs from PTI)
