Discover why you shouldn’t ignore NAFLD—India’s silent liver epidemic. Learn the risks and get expert insights from Dr. Amritangsu Borkakoty.
Did you know that nearly 30–40% of India’s adult population is silently living with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), which is exactly why you shouldn’t ignore NAFLD? Even more alarming, experts predict that over half of the adult population may be affected by 2040.
NAFLD is often called a “silent disease” because it develops without noticeable symptoms in its early stages, making it dangerously easy to overlook. It occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver of individuals who consume little to no alcohol. While this might seem harmless at first, the consequences can be severe—and even life-threatening.
In this blog, we uncover the five most alarming reasons why you shouldn’t ignore NAFLD and explain why early detection is essential.
For those in Assam and the Northeast, Dr. Amritangsu Borkakoty, one of the region’s most respected liver specialists, has been at the forefront of NAFLD diagnosis and treatment. His expertise is a lifeline for those seeking early intervention.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore NAFLD: Understanding the Hidden Threat
NAFLD, or Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver without the influence of alcohol. It ranges from simple fatty liver (steatosis) to a more severe form called Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), which includes liver inflammation and cell damage.
What makes NAFLD especially dangerous is that it’s usually asymptomatic in the early stages. Patients often remain unaware until irreversible liver damage occurs. Globally, NAFLD affects around 25–30% of the population, with that number expected to rise dramatically by 2040 due to rising obesity and sedentary lifestyles.
NAFLD is closely linked with metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol, which increase the risk of complications. The disease progresses gradually through four stages—from simple fatty liver to NASH, fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis. Fortunately, early detection and lifestyle intervention can halt or even reverse the disease, making timely action critical.
The 5 Alarming Reasons You Cannot Afford to Ignore NAFLD
1. NAFLD Can Progress to Life-Threatening Liver Cirrhosis and Cancer
NAFLD begins with excess fat accumulation but can progress silently through a sequence of harmful stages:
- Simple Fatty Liver
- NASH (inflammation and liver damage)
- Fibrosis (scar tissue development)
- Cirrhosis (severe scarring and liver failure)
Studies show that 15–20% of those with NASH will develop cirrhosis. Worse, NAFLD significantly increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—a leading form of liver cancer—even in patients without cirrhosis.
This progression may take 5 to 20 years, but once it advances to cirrhosis, the damage becomes largely irreversible, often requiring liver transplantation. This is a critical example of why you shouldn’t ignore NAFLD—it can silently escalate to life-threatening stages before any symptoms appear.
2. It Significantly Increases Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease and Early Death
While NAFLD affects the liver, its dangers extend well beyond it. Research reveals that cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in people with NAFLD. This is due to its connection with:
- Atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries)
- Hypertension
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
NAFLD increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death, even in non-obese individuals. Studies suggest all-cause mortality is significantly higher in NAFLD patients compared to the general population, which clearly underscores why you shouldn’t ignore NAFLD.
Dr. Amritangsu Borkakoty emphasizes the importance of managing cardiovascular and metabolic risks alongside liver health—a comprehensive approach he offers to patients in Assam.
3. NAFLD is Becoming an Epidemic Among Young Adults (15–39 years)
One of the most concerning trends is the rising prevalence of NAFLD in younger age groups. Recent studies show that the 15–24 age group is increasingly being diagnosed, especially among young men.
The age-standardized incidence of NAFLD is projected to increase by over 50% by 2035, affecting millions of individuals during their most productive years. Early-onset NAFLD poses a greater risk of long-term complications, as younger patients have more time for the disease to progress if left unmanaged.
This shift highlights the need for early lifestyle interventions, targeted screenings, and greater awareness among the youth.
4. The Disease Often Goes Undiagnosed Due to Lack of Symptoms
NAFLD is notoriously underdiagnosed—not because it’s rare, but because it shows no early symptoms. Many patients find out they have fatty liver only after undergoing tests for unrelated issues.
Compounding the problem is a lack of awareness among both patients and general healthcare providers. Without advanced tools like FibroScan, blood markers (ALT, AST), and liver function tests, NAFLD can easily be missed.
Routine screening is crucial, especially for individuals with diabetes, obesity, or a family history of liver disease. Dr. Amritangsu Borkakoty is a trusted name in Assam for offering advanced diagnostic services and guiding patients toward timely treatment.
5. NAFLD is Strongly Linked to Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome
NAFLD and type 2 diabetes often go hand in hand. In fact, high fasting plasma glucose is one of the strongest predictors of NAFLD progression. The relationship is bidirectional—NAFLD increases the risk of diabetes and vice versa.
The condition is also deeply tied to metabolic syndrome, which includes:
- Abdominal obesity
- High triglycerides
- Low HDL (good cholesterol)
- High blood pressure
- Insulin resistance
When NAFLD coexists with these conditions, the risk of liver fibrosis, CVD, and mortality multiplies. Integrated care—where both liver health and metabolic issues are treated together—is the best path forward, as championed by Dr. Borkakoty.
Conclusion and Call to Action
As we’ve seen, the question of why you shouldn’t ignore NAFLD has five compelling answers: it can lead to liver failure and cancer, increases your risk of early death, is affecting younger generations, often remains undiagnosed, and is tightly linked to diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
The good news is that early-stage NAFLD is reversible with timely lifestyle changes and medical care. Don’t wait for symptoms—if you have any risk factors, it’s time to get screened.
For expert diagnosis and treatment in Assam, trust Dr. Amritangsu Borkakoty, a leading liver specialist committed to improving liver health across the region.
Take charge of your liver health today—because prevention starts with awareness.
