Bengaluru: At first glance, most people wouldn’t think twice about fatigue, occasional discomfort or a slightly abnormal report during routine a check-up. However, doctors in Bengaluru say these signals are now linked to something more serious: fatty liver disease, specifically, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Since Covid-19 pandemic, city hospitals reported a 30% increase in NAFLD cases, with a noticeable surge among young adults in their 20s and 30s. Unlike traditional liver disease linked to alcohol use, this condition stems from poor lifestyle, long hours of desk work, processed food, irregular meals and physical inactivity.Dr Santhosh Kumar S C, consultant, gastroenterology at Fortis Hospital, said, “We’re seeing a sharp rise in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, with over 10 patients on average per day. The main reason: Obesity.”He said NAFLD cases are being observed across socio-economic groups. A person sitting at a paan stall all day, an autorickshaw or cab driver, anyone with a sedentary lifestyle is vulnerable.There are two broad types of fatty liver – alcoholic and non-alcoholic. While alcoholic fatty liver was more common earlier, now people with no or limited alcohol use are being diagnosed due to carb-heavy diets, inactivity, and prolonged sitting, he explained.Dr Harshavardhan Rao B, head of department and consultant, medical gastroenterology, Ramaiah Memorial Hospital, said, “Fatty liver isn’t just about fat, it’s a warning sign for your metabolism. It’s now called metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease or MAFLD because it reflects the combined impact of diabetes, hypertension, obesity, abnormal cholesterol, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and even stress.“He noted a clear shift after the pandemic. “Many switched to a sedentary work-from-home lifestyle, relied on outside food, and faced longer working hours, all of which pushed physical and mental health to the back seat. As a result, we’re seeing more people diagnosed incidentally with fatty liver on routine scans.”MAFLD often progresses in stages, beginning with fat accumulation, followed by inflammation, and then, in some cases, fibrosis, cirrhosis, or even cancer. Many patients show no symptoms until liver damage is already underway, highlighted Dr Rao.However, the condition is often reversible in its early stages. Changes in diet, increased physical activity, regular sleep, and health checks can prevent progression.Dr Vinay Kumar B R, hepatologist and liver transplantation specialist, Narayana Health City, said, “In Bengaluru, especially among IT professionals and those with desk jobs, we see a significant rise in both diabetes and fatty liver. It’s now common to find some degree of fatty liver in two to three out of every five patients during routine scans or blood tests.”Dr Balaji Gurrappa, consultant, gastroenterology, Kauvery Hospital, added, “In women, Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOD) and use of hormonal pills can also increase risk.”BOX: Precautions Maintain healthy weightEmbrace balanced dietStay physically activeManage underlying health conditionsLimit or avoid alcoholBOX: Risk factorsDiabetesHypertensionCholesterolObesityPoor lifestyle