Dimapur, June 17 (MExN): Fatty liver disease, once perceived as an affliction of alcoholics, is now emerging as a significant health challenge in Nagaland, with doctors reporting a steady rise in cases among young and middle-aged adults.
The increase is being attributed to shifting lifestyles and dietary habits, even in a state with a strong tradition of community living, farming, walking, and home-cooked meals, an update received here stated.
Specialists from Medanta-The Medicity in Gurugram, named India’s Best Hospital by Newsweek in 2026, have warned that the condition, if left unchecked, could lead to serious complications, including liver inflammation, cirrhosis, liver failure and cancer.
Fatty liver occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver, often linked to obesity, stress, high cholesterol, junk food, and a lack of physical activity. The condition frequently remains asymptomatic in its early stages, making it difficult to detect.
“Many people believe liver disease only affects those who consume alcohol, but that is no longer the case. We are seeing a growing number of patients with fatty liver who do not drink at all,” said Dr Rajesh Puri, Vice Chairman, Interventional Gastroenterology at Medanta Gurugram.
“Sedentary lifestyles, weight gain, diabetes, and unhealthy diets are major contributors. The challenge is that fatty liver often remains silent until significant damage has already occurred,” he added.
With an estimated four in 10 adults in India affected by the condition, doctors noted that fatty liver is no longer confined to metropolitan cities and is increasingly being detected in smaller towns and emerging urban centres, closely linked to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
However, the condition can often be reversed, especially when detected early. Dr Puri encouraged people to adopt simple lifestyle measures such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating balanced meals, reducing sugary foods and drinks, and staying physically active.
Dr Hitesh Panchal, Associate Consultant, Gastroenterology at Medanta Gurugram, urged people to be mindful of increasing consumption of processed foods and sedentary habits. He noted that Nagaland's traditional way of life has many elements that support good health.
“The key is to retain those habits while adapting to modern lifestyles responsibly. Regular health check-ups are important because fatty liver is often discovered during routine blood tests or ultrasound scans. Early diagnosis gives people the opportunity to prevent long-term complications,” Dr Panchal said.
He also advised patients with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol to ensure these conditions are properly managed, as they can increase the risk of fatty liver disease.
Medanta has signed an MoU with the Government of Nagaland for accreditation to the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS). The hospital also partnered with IDAN to create a health awareness booklet, launched in September 2025 by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio.
Residents of Nagaland can consult Dr Hitesh Panchal on June 19, at Faith Hospital, Old Sewak Road, Dimapur, in the morning, and at District Hospital Dimapur in the afternoon. For appointments, contact +91 9774477521.
Medanta has also launched a dedicated helpline: +91 8904395588 to improve access to care across the North East, offering support in Assamese, Bengali, Nagamese, English and Hindi. The helpline, available from 8 am to 8 pm, assists with doctor selection and appointments.
