Doctors at Gurugram-based Medanta –The Medicity, named India’s best hospital by Newsweek in 2026, are increasingly observing a rise in paediatric liver conditions — especially metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as fatty liver — which are linked to changing lifestyles. Dr. B.C Roy National Awardee Dr. Neelam Mohan, Senior Director, Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Medanta Gurugram said high consumption of junk and processed foods, excess sugar intake, lack of physical activity and irregular routines contribute to childhood obesity and increase the risk of liver disease, including fatty liver, biliary atresia, and pediatric pancreatitis — often misdiagnosed as general digestive issues, leading to delayed treatment. She said, “Cases have increased significantly over the past decade. Most children do not show symptoms and are diagnosed incidentally during routine check-ups. For example, 10-18% of school-going children in India are overweight or obese, and 35-45% obese children run the risk of MASLD.”
The Northeast region is seeing a surge in paediatric fatty liver diseases, which can be linked to rapid urbanization, unhealthy eating habits, and reduced physical activity, with many children now overweight, if not suffering from obesity. Dr. Mohan, the national president of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP), said these behaviors not only damage liver health but also contribute to early-onset diabetes, hypertension, and other metabolic complications.
Early detection remains critical, especially because many paediatric liver conditions progress silently to cirrhosis or end stage liver disease. Simple indicators such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight gain or abdominal discomfort should not be ignored. Timely screening can prevent progression to severe liver damage and reduce the need for complex interventions later in life.
Dr. Neelam Mohan, Senior Director, Paediatric Gastroenterology & Hepatology at Medanta Gurugram emphasized that parents play a critical role in prevention, as children’s habits are largely shaped at home. She said, “Lifestyle changes are essential — much like how a WiFi device depends on a router for connection, children rely on their home environment to function well. This means parents actively improving their children’s diets by reducing junk food, refined flour, and sugar, encouraging 45–60 minutes of daily physical activity, limiting screen time, and ensuring regular routines and adequate sleep. Small, consistent changes at home can significantly reduce the risk of liver disease and improve long-term health outcomes. In addition, schools need to be cautioned to avoid keeping junk food or processed sugary food in their canteen.”
She also highlighted concerns around the widespread and unnecessary use of antibiotics in children, noting, “Self-medication and over-the-counter use of antibiotics without medical supervision is both common and harmful. It can weaken liver function and compromise immunity.”
Medanta has launched a dedicated helpline — +91 8904395588 — to improve access to care across the North East, with support in Assamese, Bengali, Nagamese, English and Hindi. Available from 8 am to 8 pm, it assists with doctor selection and appointments.
