Replying to a query in the Lok Sabha, Nadda shared that the government has issued operational guidelines that aim to raise awareness about Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) as well as promote healthy lifestyle interventions.
How does MAFLD work? MAFLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, is characterized by excessive fat buildup in the liver. MAFLD emphasizes the connection between metabolic problems like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol and fatty liver. Health Ministry issues operational guidelines for NAFLD
Nadda stated, "The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued operational guidelines for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases." These guidelines recommend eating a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing one's weight, and consuming less sugar and saturated fat in order to prevent and treat NAFLD. “Further, States and Union Territories have been requested to undertake screening and risk stratification by the health care providers as per the guidelines and guide appropriate referrals,” he added.
The Union Minister cited two studies that indicate the rising prevalence of MAFLD in India.
The study published in the Nature Scientific Reports Journal in 2025 focused on the rising prevalence of MAFLD among information technology employees in India. The study, involving 345 IT employees in Hyderabad, showed that “Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) was present in 118 (34.20 percent) of the employees,” Nadda said.
He continued, "A total of 290 employees (84.06 percent) had increased liver fat accumulation, indicating a high prevalence of MAFLD among IT employees." Indian Metabolic and Liver Disease (IMELD) was the subject of another ICMR-led study that sought to comprehend the regional risk factors for fatty liver disease, MetS, diabetes, and hypertension in various Rajasthani villages. The study's most important finding was that 37.19% of participants had fatty liver disease, with a higher prevalence among men. Nadda stated that those who consumed fast food on a weekly basis (76.3%) were at greater risk. To tackle the burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer, the Health Minister stated that comprehensive primary health care is being provided via Ayushman Arogya Mandir.
Other initiatives include increasing public awareness about NCDs and promoting a healthy lifestyle by observing national and international health days.
Nadda also mentioned the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)'s role in promoting liver health awareness through its social media platforms. In addition, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is responsible for implementing the Fit India movement, and the Ministry of Ayush is responsible for a variety of yoga-related activities. Re
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