Medical experts have raised concerns over a growing incidence of fatty liver disease in Nagaland, attributing the trend to changing lifestyles, unhealthy eating habits and declining physical activity levels among both young and middle-aged adults.
Specialists from Medanta-The Medicity, Gurugram, said fatty liver disease, caused by excess fat accumulation in the liver, is increasingly being detected beyond major metropolitan centres and is emerging as one of India’s most common liver disorders, affecting an estimated four in ten adults. Doctors warned that the condition often remains symptomless in its early stages but can progress to liver inflammation, cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer if left untreated.
Dr. Rajesh Puri, Vice Chairman, Interventional Gastroenterology at Medanta, said sedentary lifestyles, obesity, diabetes and unhealthy diets are driving the rise in cases, including among non-alcohol consumers. He urged people to maintain a healthy weight, follow balanced diets, limit sugary foods and beverages, and remain physically active to protect liver health.
Dr. Hitesh Panchal, Associate Consultant, Gastroenterology at Medanta, said Nagaland’s traditional lifestyle offers several health benefits and should be preserved alongside modern living. He stressed the importance of routine health check-ups, particularly for people with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Medanta recently signed anMoU with the Nagaland Government for accreditation under the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS) and partnered with IDAN to publish a health awareness booklet launched by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio in September 2025. Dr. Panchal will be available for consultations in Dimapur on June 19, while Medanta has also launched a dedicated North East helpline to improve access to specialised healthcare services across the region.
Rising fatty liver cases spur awareness push in Nagaland
