Emerging Public Health Crisis: Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD)
A study in Hyderabad revealed that 84% of IT employees had fatty liver, indicating a high prevalence of MAFLD, with 71% being obese. This highlights a significant public health crisis amid India's urban economic growth.
Contributing Factors
- Chronic stress, excess salt intake, disrupted sleep, and sedentary lifestyles, particularly in the tech sector.
- Free snacks in IT companies that lack nutritional value.
Nutrition Paradox
India faces a dual nutritional challenge with undernutrition and rapidly increasing overnutrition in urban centers. In 2021, India ranked second globally for overweight and obesity prevalence.
Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Global and National Trends
- NCDs were responsible for 74% of global deaths in 2019.
- Without policy interventions, regions like South-East Asia may not meet 2030 SDG targets on reducing NCD mortality.
Situation in Tamil Nadu
- Over 65% of deaths in Chennai are due to NCDs.
- Gaps in treatment effectiveness for hypertension and diabetes.
- The Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam (MTM) program promotes NCD control through workplace interventions.
National Family Health Survey-5 Findings
- Obesity prevalence rises with age and wealth.
- NCD risk markers like waist-to-hip ratio increase with age.
Efforts and Challenges in Nutrition Regulation
Eat Right India Movement
- Led by FSSAI, promoting safe and sustainable food.
- Includes campaigns like “Aaj Se Thoda Kam” and labelling of HFSS foods.
Health Star Rating (HSR) Debate
The FSSAI's HSR system has faced criticism regarding its effectiveness, prompting Supreme Court intervention for improved food labelling norms.
International Model: Saudi Arabia
- Embedded NCD prevention in national policy with taxes on unhealthy foods.
- Recognized for sodium reduction and elimination of trans fats.
Urban Lifestyle and Health Risks
IT hubs like Bengaluru and Chennai are seeing an increase in unhealthy food consumption due to extended work hours and growing nightlife culture, posing a nutrition-driven public health threat.
Call to Action
The rising burden of NCDs calls for regulatory reforms targeting the food industry, potentially including taxes on unhealthy foods to promote public health.