Obesity and liver health in India: A growing concern in 2025

Think obesity is just about weight? Think again. It's now a full-blown health crisis in India.

- Dr. Bipin Vibhute

Walk through any street, and you'll see kids snacking on packaged foods, office workers glued to desks, and families eating out more than ever. What was once a 'Western problem' is now our reality. But the real danger? It's not just about appearance—it's silently damaging our liver, leading to deadly diseases like NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases) and NASH (Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). With one in every eight Indians now obese, this is a national health emergency. Even Prime Minister Modi raised the alarm in his Mann Ki Baat speech, urging citizens to act before it's too late.

Obesity in India is rising at an alarming rate. According to NFHS-5, nearly 24% of women and 22.9% of men are overweight or obese. Childhood obesity is also a growing concern, affecting 17% to 40% of children and young adults (ages 8-20). Being overweight isn't just about looks—it leads to serious health issues like fatty liver disease, which can progress to cirrhosis or even liver cancer. Women with obesity are at a higher risk of PCOS and PCOD, causing hormonal imbalances, irregular periods, and infertility.