Overweight, diabetic people at risk of developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

People who are overweight and have diabetes are at a higher risk of developing the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as the prevalence of NAFLD is around 9 per cent to 32 per cent in the Indian population, the Union Health Ministry informed on Monday.

Researchers have found NAFLD in 40 to 80 per cent of people who have type-2 diabetes, and in 30 to 90 per cent of people who are obese.

Studies also suggest that people with NAFLD have a greater chance of developing cardiovascular disease, a statement said. Launching the operational guidelines for Integration of NAFLD, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, The Health Minister noted that India is becoming the first country in the world to identify the need for action for NAFLD.

Meanwhile, the Central government said that the Ayushman Bharat program has so far screened 838.39 lakh people for hypertension, 683.34 lakh for diabetes and 806.4 lakh for the three common forms of cancer through Health and Wellness Centres (HWC). They have so far organised 6.91 lakh yoga and wellness sessions at the community level.