Workplace Health Alert: Fatty Liver Rates Soar Among IT Employees

New Study Links IT Work to Fatty Liver

A recent study reveals that 84% of IT employees in India suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) due to long working hours, stress, poor diet, and sedentary lifestyles. The study, conducted by the University of Hyderabad (UoH) in collaboration with Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), examined 345 IT workers in Hyderabad between July 2023 and July 2024. Findings show that 71% were obese, and 34% had metabolic syndrome, increasing the risk of diabetes and hypertension.

Key Causes

• Long sitting hours reduce metabolic activity, leading to fat accumulation in the liver.
• Poor sleep cycles disrupt liver detoxification.
• Junk food & sugary drinks overload the liver, worsening fat storage.
• Work stress & multitasking elevate cortisol, impacting liver function.
• Lack of exercise increases obesity and liver fat accumulation.
• Alcohol consumption & high sugar intake worsen the risk of fatty liver disease.

How to Prevent Fatty Liver?

• Healthy Diet: Prioritize fiber-rich foods, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Regular Exercise: Walking, stretching, and strength training counteract sedentary work.
• Adequate Sleep: Maintain a consistent sleep schedule to aid liver detoxification.
• Routine Check-ups: Early screening for liver health ensures timely intervention.
• Workplace Wellness Programs: IT firms should promote ergonomic setups, active breaks, and preventive healthcare.

How To Address This Issue?

• Focus on nutrient-rich foods, including vegetables, fiber, and healthy fats, while minimizing processed and high-calorie foods.
• Regular exercise, such as walking, stretching, or strength training, can help counteract the effects of prolonged sitting.
• Educate yourself about the risks of obesity, fatty liver disease, and diabetes to make informed lifestyle choices.
• Regular check-ups can help detect early signs of metabolic disorders and allow timely intervention.
• IT companies should encourage ergonomic setups, active breaks, and wellness programs to support employee health.

In Short:

• Over 80% of IT workers suffer from fatty liver, study finds.
• Experts link fatty liver to sedentary work, stress, and poor diet.
• 70% of IT professionals surveyed were classified as obese.

Research conducted by researchers at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) has found that the majority of IT professionals suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) caused by long hours of sitting, work pressure, bad food habits, and physical inactivity. According to the study, 84% of IT staff surveyed suffered from MAFLD.

The IT industry, which provides employment to more than 5.4 million individuals in India, has a sedentary work culture. Researchers identified that long working hours, occupational stress, and abnormal sleep patterns are major risk factors for developing MAFLD.

The research also discovered that 71% of IT employees who took part in the survey were obese, and 34% suffered from metabolic syndrome, a disease associated with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity.

Urgent Need for Action

Health experts urge IT companies to implement structured health programs, regular screenings, and work-life balance initiatives to curb the rising fatty liver crisis. Employees must also actively participate in wellness programs to protect their health.

Stay informed, stay active, and take charge of your liver health!

---

TechnicaGranth aims to raise awareness about health risks associated with IT work culture and encourage preventive measures for a healthier workforce.