Understanding the Liver in the IT Industry: A Growing Threat of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
Researchers in Bengaluru have launched a public health initiative to assess the prevalence of digital lifestyle-associated liver disease among IT professionals, highlighting the increasing risk of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in the tech industry.
The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in metabolism, detoxification, and energy production in the body. However, with the rising influence of digital lifestyles, a concerning trend has emerged in the IT industry – the growing incidence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), also known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A team of hepatologists at Aster Whitefield Hospital in Bengaluru has embarked on a two-year study, "Liver Tech Check," to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of SLD among IT professionals in Bengaluru. This initiative marks an essential step towards understanding the need for liver health awareness and preventive measures within the tech workforce.
What is MASLD?
MASLD, previously known as NAFLD, is a condition where excessive fats are deposited in the liver cells, leading to liver damage. Weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome are often associated with this condition. The liver typically contains some fat, but it becomes a concern when it makes up more than 5% to 10% of the total liver weight.
The "Liver Tech Check" Study
The "Liver Tech Check" study aims to gather baseline liver health data within the Indian tech workforce, identify modifiable risk factors, and encourage early identification of the disease. The study will employ a structured screening questionnaire based on validated tools, assessing factors such as work stress, dietary habits, physical activity, screen time, alcohol and caffeine intake, sleep patterns, and family history. With a sample size of over 500 participants, the study hopes to provide valuable insights into the digital lifestyle-related risks facing IT professionals.
Risk Factors in the IT Industry
The IT sector’s work culture, marked by prolonged screen time, erratic work hours, poor dietary habits, and sedentary routines, contributes to the increasing risk of MASLD among IT professionals. Up to 84% of IT professionals may have fatty liver disease, often undiagnosed due to lack of early screening. Dr. Sonal Asthana, Programme Director of Liver Transplantation at Aster group of Hospitals, emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, frequent physical activity, and weight management, to minimize and prevent fatty liver disease.
Preventive Measures and Liver Care Initiatives
The study also seeks to promote routine workplace screening and awareness, ultimately leading to preventive liver care initiatives across corporate India. Dr. Akhil Deshmukh, Consultant Hepatologist at Aster Whitefield Hospital, notes, "Usually found in individuals who may appear otherwise healthy, fatty liver disease often has no symptoms in early stages. However, it is a precursor to multiple serious diseases."ूंEarly recognition and prevention of fatty liver disease are crucial to avoid complications, including Steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, liver cancer, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular diseases, and stroke.
Key Highlights:
- The "Liver Tech Check" study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of SLD among IT professionals in Bengaluru.
- The study will assess modifiable risk factors, including work stress, dietary habits, physical activity, screen time, and family history.
- The IT sector’s work culture contributes to the growing risk of MASLD among IT professionals.
- Early recognition and prevention of fatty liver disease are crucial to avoid complications.
- A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, frequent physical activity, and weight management, can minimize and prevent fatty liver disease.
Conclusion:
The "Liver Tech Check" study highlights the need for awareness and preventive measures to address the growing threat of MASLD in the IT industry. By promoting routine workplace screening and awareness, the study aims to catalyze preventive liver care initiatives across corporate India. As the disease often has no symptoms in early stages, early recognition and prevention are essential to avoid complications. Let us join hands to spread awareness and promote a healthy lifestyle among IT professionals.
Keywords:
- Liver disease
- Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD)
- Fatty liver
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
- IT industry
- Digital lifestyle
- Workplace screening
- Preventive care
- Lifestyle modifications
- India
- Bengaluru
- IT professionals
