World Health Day 2026: Hepatologist warns about rise of fatty liver in Indian children, shares tips to prevent

On World Health Day, learn how children face one of the alarming metabolic issues, which affects liver. Find out the expert-approved tips for prevention.

World Health Day 2026: WHO marks April 7 as World Health Day, celebrating the foundation anniversary of the World Health Organisation. It serves as a reminder to prioritise health. The old saying goes, ‘health is wealth,’ and there is indeed a very substantial truth in it. The focus on prevention and management of health issues needs to extend across all age groups, including children.

Generally, children's health is overlooked because they are perceived as naturally believed to be more resilient and energetic. But they, too, can develop diseases and conditions that conventionally affect adults. This blind spot can delay detection and timely medical intervention, allowing underlying issues to progress unnoticed, creating further complications.

HT Lifestyle, in an interview with Prof Anupam Sibal, group medical director, pediatric gastroenterologist and hepatologist in Apollo Hospitals Group, spoke about the rising cases of fatty liver in children.

“Fatty liver is increasingly being diagnosed in children, largely driven by rising rates of childhood obesity and unhealthy lifestyle patterns,” the hepatologist informed. This shows that fatty liver cases in children are no longer isolated, but that a clear and concerning pattern is emerging.

The main culprits, however, are the sedentary habits that cause early metabolic problems, ones that are seen in adults. Dr Sibal shared the causes:“Diets high in processed foods, sugar-sweetened beverages, and excessive screen time with minimal physical activity are key contributors.”

The hepatologist also cited a report published in the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology in 2021 that examined the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in India. He noted, "The review reported prevalence rates of around 12% even among non-obese children, rising to over 60% in those who are overweight or obese.” Here, it is clear that obesity surfaces as a precursor to fatty liver, driven by sedentary lifestyle habits.

Junk food takes up a lot of space in a child's diet these days. (Picture credit: Freepik)

Why is fatty liver in children concerning?

The main reason fatty liver is dangerous, in anyone, including children, is that, according to the doctor, it progresses silently in its early stages. In children, this is even more alarming, as not many would suspect an adult-associated condition like fatty liver in them.

Common symptoms to watch for

The hepatologist stressed the importance of identifying early signs on time. Here are some of them:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy levels

• Mild discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the upper right abdomen

• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty in managing weight

• Dark, velvety patches of skin around the neck or underarms (a sign of insulin resistance)

Prevention

Prevention plays a critical role. Do not wait for the condition to develop, as even children can be affected by serious health issues, making it important for parents to take note. Preventing fatty liver in children depends on building healthy, sustainable habits in life. The doctor advised the following:

• Encourage a balanced diet with adequate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Limit intake of junk food, sugary beverages, and processed snacks

• Ensure at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity

• Reduce screen time and encourage outdoor play

• Focus on maintaining a healthy weight through consistent lifestyle habits

• Opt for regular health check-ups, especially for children at higher risk

The doctor, in the end, highlighted the importance of parental awareness and asserted that parents should take an active role in monitoring their children's health and lifestyle.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.