Health Ministry Launches New Guidelines for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The Union Health Ministry released revised operational guidelines and a training module aimed at enhancing care for individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). The updated guidelines emphasize health promotion and early detection, a crucial element in managing this growing public health issue in India().

NAFLD Recognized as Major Non-Communicable Disease in India

India has become a leader in acknowledging NAFLD as a major non-communicable disease (NCD). Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra highlighted that the disease is closely linked with metabolic disorders like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions. "One in three people could be affected by NAFLD, demonstrating its significant impact," Chandra stated.

Fatty Liver Disease: A Growing Health Problem in India
Non alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of liver dysfunction worldwide and is a rapidly growing health problem in India.

‘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects up to 32% of the Indian population, closely linked to lifestyle diseases. #liverhealth #medindia ’

The new guidelines advocate for a multidisciplinary approach to patient care, aiming to integrate the efforts of healthcare providers from various disciplines. This holistic approach is expected to improve patient outcomes and care for those affected by NAFLD.

Focus on Lifestyle Modification for Disease Management

In addition to better detection and integrated care, the guidelines underline the importance of lifestyle modifications to reduce the prevalence of NAFLD. Chandra emphasized the continuum of care for patients diagnosed with NCDs, stressing the need for improved lifestyle choices to mitigate disease progression.

Grassroots-Level Implementation for Early Detection

Renaming ‘Fatty Liver or NAFLD to ‘MAFLD’
Global liver societies have renamed Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) to Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).

Punya Salila Srivastava, Officer on Special Duty at the Union Health Ministry, stated that the updated guidelines aim to equip grassroots-level healthcare workers with the necessary tools for early detection, which will be crucial in reducing the disease burden.

India was the first country to integrate NAFLD into its National Programme for Prevention and Control of NCDs in 2021. With the new guidelines, the country further strengthens its role in combating the rising incidence of liver diseases. The ministry stressed that NAFLD could soon emerge as a silent epidemic, with prevalence rates ranging from 9% to 32% across different demographics in the country.

The Vicious Cycle of Sugar Cravings: Obesity, Diabetes, and Fatty Liver
Diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease can be signaled by cravings for sugary foods

Reference:

Union Health Ministry Releases Revised Operational Guidelines and Training Manual of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease - (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2059351)

Source-IANS

Why Fatty Liver Patients Struggle With Lifestyle Changes?
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients have a surprising three-fold increase in personality disorders.