Liver disease is silently growing in India, but Union Health Minister JP Nadda says the tide can be turned — starting in the kitchen.
The country marked World Liver Day on Monday with a mix of warnings, advice, and a strong call for change. At a ceremony in New Delhi, Nadda told a packed audience that fatty liver is “not a death sentence” — as long as people wake up to how food and lifestyle choices are impacting their health.
JP Nadda Pushes for a New National Health Mindset
At the heart of Nadda’s message was a simple truth: the liver does more than most people realize. It keeps your energy steady, filters out toxins, and helps your body digest fats and nutrients. But when it gets overworked — especially by processed food, sugars, alcohol, and sedentary habits — it starts storing fat. That’s when trouble brews.
Speaking at the ‘Liver Health Pledge Ceremony’ in the capital, the Union Minister didn’t mince words. “If it’s not healthy, the entire body suffers,” he said, calling fatty liver a rising threat that could explode into multiple chronic conditions.
A quiet disease, fatty liver often shows no symptoms. But if untreated, it can escalate to cirrhosis, liver failure, or even liver cancer.
Nadda pointed out that liver-related conditions are no longer confined to alcohol users. A surge in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is alarming doctors across India. It’s tied to unhealthy diets, obesity, and diabetes — all of which are rising fast.
Diet, Oil, and That 10% Change Modi Wants
In a bid to address the root of the issue, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently urged Indians to reduce cooking oil use by 10%. Nadda echoed that appeal Monday, calling it “a small but powerful step.”
The average Indian household consumes roughly 20 kg of edible oil per person annually, according to FSSAI. That’s double the recommended intake. Excess oil not only burdens the liver but also leads to insulin resistance and higher cholesterol levels.
Nadda linked this to the broader fight against non-communicable diseases, urging families to rethink how food is cooked, served, and eaten.
Millets, Greens, and Citrus: Food as Medicine Comes Alive
At the event, an exhibition hosted by FSSAI and the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS) brought the “Food is Medicine” theme to life — quite literally.
There were colorful stalls stacked with millets, leafy greens, nuts, citrus fruits, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. The idea? Show people what liver-friendly food actually looks like.
These aren’t fancy health foods — they’re already in Indian kitchens or can be, with a few switches.
Here’s what they highlighted:
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Millets: Packed with fibre and nutrients that support bile production and digestion
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Leafy greens: Help with detoxification and reduce inflammation
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Fatty fish: Rich in omega-3s, great for liver fat reduction
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Citrus fruits: Boost glutathione production, a key antioxidant for liver repair
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Healthy fats: Like olive oil and nuts, help fight liver fat buildup
And yes, it’s not about cutting everything out — it’s about adding the right things in.
What the Numbers Say About Liver Disease in India
India is facing a slow but serious liver disease crisis. It doesn’t always get headlines, but the numbers are painting a grim picture.
| Health Indicator | Estimated Burden in India (2023) |
|---|---|
| Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease | 25–30% of adult population |
| Cirrhosis-related deaths | Over 200,000 annually |
| Fatty liver in overweight children | 10–15% (urban areas) |
| Liver transplants performed yearly | ~2,000 |
A 2023 Lancet report noted that NAFLD now affects nearly 1 in 4 Indians. And what’s scarier? Most don’t know they have it.
That’s why regular check-ups and liver screenings are critical — another point Nadda drove home.
Changing Habits Starts at Home, Not in Clinics
The message wasn’t just aimed at patients — it was a challenge to everyone. From school canteens to office lunches to family dinners, what goes on the plate has long-term consequences.
Nadda said simple habits can make a big difference:
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Cutting sugar and refined carbs
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Swapping fried foods for grilled or steamed ones
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Eating more whole grains and plant-based meals
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Staying active, even with short walks after meals
And perhaps the most important: Don’t wait for a scare to change.
That line stuck with many in the room.
A Pledge for Prevention, Not Just Cure
Before wrapping up, the minister called on attendees — and the nation — to take a pledge. A pledge to care for their liver. To stay informed, get tested, and adopt healthier habits before it’s too late.
The Health Ministry is expected to roll out more awareness drives around liver care in the coming months. Public health experts say that’s sorely needed, especially in rural and Tier-2 cities where NAFLD diagnosis is rare or misunderstood.
For now, World Liver Day might be over. But if the message sticks, it could mark a turning point in how India eats, lives, and survives a health threat hiding in plain sight.
