New Delhi— A staggering 84% of IT employees in Hyderabad have been diagnosed with Metabolic Dysfunction‑Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda revealed in the Lok Sabha. One-third of the affected workforce also shows signs of metabolic syndrome, a condition linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease
Silent Epidemic Among Hyderabad’s Tech Workforce
The alarming statistics stem from a study conducted by the University of Hyderabad, which evaluated 345 IT professionals between July 2023 and July 2024 using FibroScan-based liver fat measurement and metabolic risk profiling. The findings:
290 employees (84%) showed elevated liver fat consistent with MAFLD
- 71% were obese
- 39% were good
What Causes It?
Experts attribute the crisis to prolonged sitting, high stress levels, irregular sleep, and poor diet prevalent in the tech work culture. These lifestyle factors act as catalysts for metabolic dysfunction and liver fat accumulation
MAFLD—formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—is defined by over 5% liver fat, often linked to metabolic risk factors such as insulin resistance, obesity, and dyslipidemia. Left unchecked, it can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, or liver failure
Government Response
In response, Nadda called MAFLD a “silent epidemic” and endorsed preventive strategies under the National Programme for NCDs, including:
Pan-India awareness campaigns led by FSSAI
A 5-minute “Yoga Break” protocol introduced by the Ministry of AYUSH to encourage brief workplace activity and stress relief
State-level screening initiatives and early intervention systems
Why This Matters
Hyderabad’s IT sector is central to India’s economic engine, employing over 5 million professionals. High MAFLD prevalence suggests that sedentary office culture, combined with uncontrolled diet and stress, is jeopardising employee health nationwide.
Healthcare experts underscore the urgency for lifestyle modification, regular liver screening, and corporate wellness policies.
