Doctor shares case of person ‘who never touched alcohol’ yet was diagnosed with fatty liver: ‘He came for just a routine check-up’
Published on: Aug. 14, 2025, 1:30 p.m. | Source: The Indian Express
Orthopaedic Dr. Shagun Agarwal highlighted that fatty liver is not solely caused by alcohol, sharing the case of a patient with Grade 2 fatty liver who was a lifelong teetotaler. This condition, now referred to as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), affects one in three Indians and is linked to lifestyle factors rather than alcohol consumption. According to Dr. Agarwal, common culprits include an unhealthy lifestyle characterized by skipping breakfast, late-night binge eating, prolonged sitting, excessive sugar intake, a lack of physical movement, and poor sleep habits. The patient’s story serves as a cautionary tale, as untreated fatty liver can progress to more severe, irreversible conditions like NASH and cirrhosis. However, the doctor's message is one of empowerment, emphasizing that with the right diagnosis and lifestyle changes—such as a healthy diet and daily exercise—individuals can take control of their health and reverse the condition before it becomes life-threatening.
