84% of IT Employees Have Liver Damage: University of Hyderabad Study

The liver, the largest organ in the human body, plays a vital role in storing and metabolizing fat. However, excessive consumption of saturated fats and alcohol can lead to liver damage, impairing its function. Fatty liver disease—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—can progress to cirrhosis if untreated. Once thought to be a concern only for heavy drinkers, a recent study by the University of Hyderabad reveals that 84% of IT employees suffer from liver damage, many of them unaware of the condition.

Risk Factors for Fatty Liver Disease

The study highlights that Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) has become an epidemic within the Indian IT industry. Alarmingly, 71% of employees are clinically obese, and 34% suffer from conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The lifestyle habits contributing to MAFLD include:

- Consuming two or more sugary drinks per week
- Sitting for over 8 hours a day
- Excessive abdominal fat (waist circumference over 90 cm for men and 80 cm for women)
- Sleeping less than 6 hours per night

Complications of Untreated Fatty Liver

If left untreated, fatty liver disease can silently progress, leading to serious complications such as:

- Liver fibrosis (scarring of liver tissue)
- Cirrhosis (permanent liver damage)
- Chronic liver inflammation
- Liver cancer

How to Protect Your Liver

Experts stress the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent long-term liver damage. Following the study's findings, here are key recommendations to protect liver health:

- Consume more proteins and reduce refined carbs
- Schedule regular liver health check-ups
- Maintain a healthy sleep schedule (at least 6-8 hours per night)
- Take short exercise breaks every hour
- Avoid excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates

Taking these simple steps can significantly reduce the risk of developing severe liver conditions and help ensure the long-term health of this crucial organ.