Rising threat of fatty liver in children; junk food, sedentary lifestyle blamed, ET HealthWorld

Nagpur: Paediatric hepatology, a specialised field dealing with liver diseases in children, is witnessing remarkable advancements, yet awareness about these conditions remains low.

Many liver disorders in children such as neonatal jaundice, biliary atresia, Wilson’s disease and hepatitis require early detection and timely medical intervention to prevent life-threatening complications.

Speaking at the Academy of Paediatrics (AOP) Nagpur 2025 installation, Dr Neelam Mohan, National President-elect of the Central Indian Academy of Paediatrics (CIAP), delivered the Dr DN Agarwal oration on ‘Paediatric Hepatology in India: A Journey of Innovation and Excellence.’ She shed light on the rising burden of paediatric liver disorders, the role of early diagnosis, and how medical innovations, including non-invasive liver assessments and liver transplants significantly improved survival rates.

“Paediatric hepatology transformed in recent years, yet many childhood liver diseases go undiagnosed until it’s too late. We must enhance awareness, routine screenings, and access to specialised care to ensure better outcomes,” Dr Mohan emphasised.

Doctors here highlighted lifestyle-related liver issues as a growing concern, with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) becoming more prevalent in children due to changing dietary habits and sedentary lifestyles. “Fatty liver disease, once considered an adult problem, is increasingly affecting children, making preventive healthcare and lifestyle modifications essential,” said Dr Shilpa Hazare, who took over as president of Nagpur AOP. Dr Kailash Vaidya took over as secretary. Dr Vasant Khalatkar (CIAP President), Dr Sanjay Pakhmode (President, Maha IAP), and Dr Uday Bodhankar (Patron) were special guests.

Expressing her vision for AOP Nagpur, Dr Hajare said, “We aim to strengthen paediatric healthcare initiatives, focusing on early disease detection, improved treatment strategies, and community education.”

Dr Vaidya echoed similar sentiments, stating, “Our focus will be on collaborative efforts between paediatricians, public health agencies, and parents to ensure better child health outcomes in the region.” The event also witnessed honours and felicitation of distinguished paediatricians and contributors to child healthcare.

Fatty Liver in Children

Once an adult disease, fatty liver now alarmingly common in children

Reasons are unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles

Excess junk food and sugary drinks fuelling silent rise in fatty liver disease

Many children with fatty liver show no symptoms until it leads to liver damage in later years

Obesity-driven fatty liver in kids can progress to serious liver conditions like fibrosis and cirrhosis

Timely lifestyle changes key to preventing fatty liver complications in children

• Published On Mar 3, 2025 at 10:38 AM IST

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