84% of IT Employees in India Suffer from Fatty Liver: Study

University of Hyderabad researchers find 84% of IT employees in India affected by fatty liver disease

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Neelima Eaty 25 Feb 2025 8:39 PM

News in short:

A study by the University of Hyderabad revealed that 84% of IT employees in India suffer from MAFLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease). This condition, characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver, is linked to the sedentary lifestyle common in the IT sector. The study also found that 71% of IT employees are obese and 34% have metabolic syndrome, further increasing their risk of fatty liver disease. These findings highlight the urgent need for health interventions targeting IT workers, including utilizing existing wellness programs, regular health checks, stress management, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The research was funded by the Ministry of Education's IoE program.

Hyderabad: A study conducted by scientists from the University of Hyderabad, led by Prof. Kalyankar Mahadev and Prof. C.T. Anitha, along with research scholars Bharam Bhargava and Nanditha Pramod, has found that 84% of IT employees in India suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). The research was conducted in collaboration with Dr. PN Rao, a senior hepatologist, and his team from the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG) hospital.

The IT sector, a major driver of the Indian economy employing over 5.4 million people, is associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Long hours at desks, work-related stress, inadequate sleep, shift work, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity all contribute to the rising incidence of MAFLD among employees. This condition occurs when more than 5% of fat accumulates in the liver, and if left unchecked, it can lead to serious liver diseases such as cirrhosis or liver cancer, requiring a transplant.

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The study also found that approximately 71% of IT employees were obese, and 34% had metabolic syndrome, a combination of conditions, including obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure, which increase the risk of fatty liver disease.

A study by the University of Hyderabad found that 84% of IT employees in India suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). The study also revealed that 71% of employees are obese, and 34% have metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of MAFLD. Fatty… pic.twitter.com/85YBFfilDT

— Hyderabad Mail (@Hyderabad_Mail) February 25, 2025

Experts highlight the need for strategies to improve the health of the IT workforce. While many IT companies already offer health wellness programs, employees are encouraged to make full use of these initiatives, participate in regular health check-ups, and engage in stress management activities. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance may also reduce the risk of fatty liver disease.

This study was funded by the Institution of Eminence (IoE) Program of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.