Nashik: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) – a condition indicating excess build-up of fat in the liver, not associated with alcohol has become an increasingly important health concern in India.
Specifically, due to the existing higher prevalence of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic problems. Being one of the most common chronic liver diseases worldwide, MASLD is closely linked with type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol and excess weight.
Dr. Gaurav Chaubal, Director – Liver and Multi Organ Transplant Institute of Liver, Intestine & Pancreas Sciences, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital said “One of the biggest challenges in timely management or treatment of MASLD is that fatty liver disease often stays silent for a long time. Many people do not realise they have a liver problem until damage has already progressed. In its early stage, the liver may simply have excess fat and the course can sometimes remain mild. But in some people, the disease becomes more aggressive, leading to inflammation, scarring and, over time, cirrhosis or even liver cancer. The studies also show that the amount of scarring in the liver is one of the strongest warning signs for future risk.”
This is why ignoring risk factors can be dangerous. Diabetes can double the risk of overall and liver-related death in people with fatty liver disease, while metabolic syndrome can raise liver-related mortality even further. The more these risk factors build up together, the greater the danger.
Dr Gaurav further added “Although the disease may not cause obvious symptoms early on, people should not dismiss warning signs such as unexplained tiredness, abnormal liver test results, or health issues linked to obesity and diabetes. Once the disease reaches advanced stages, it can lead to liver failure, complications of cirrhosis, or liver cancer. At that point, some patients may ultimately need a liver transplant. In fact, MASLD has been one of the fastest growing reasons for liver transplantation in many parts of the world.”
To ensure the residents of Nashik have access to expert opinion and advanced treatment for gynaecological cancers, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai, has set up a specialised OPD at, Spark Diagnostics, Tidke Colony in Nashik. A team of expert liver, pancreas and intestine specialists is available for consultation on second and fourth Wednesday of every month from 10 am to 1 pm.
For people in Nashik, the message is simple: do not wait for an acute pain in the liver before seeking help. Those with diabetes, weight gain, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or abnormal liver reports should consider timely screening and specialist consultation. Early evaluation can help identify risk sooner, guide the right care, and possibly prevent the disease from progressing to a stage where major treatment, including transplantation, becomes necessary.
