Hyderabad: Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda on Thursday raised alarm over the high prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and associated metabolic disorders among employees in Hyderabad’s IT sector, calling it a “silent epidemic” that demands urgent and coordinated action.
Citing a study published in Nature Scientific Reports, Nadda told the Lok Sabha on Friday that 84 per cent of IT workers surveyed in Hyderabad showed increased liver fat accumulation, a key indicator of MAFLD. Further, 71 per cent were obese and more than one-third had metabolic syndrome — a cluster of risk factors that heighten vulnerability to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and stroke.
“The health of India’s workforce is paramount,” said Nadda, emphasising the ministry of health’s existing guidelines under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). These guidelines focus on promoting healthy diets, regular exercise, weight control, and reducing intake of sugar and saturated fats.
Replying to questions from Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi and others, Nadda said recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) findings showed a 37.19 per cent prevalence of fatty liver disease even in rural Rajasthan, underlining its spread beyond urban centres.
To raise awareness, the government is conducting extensive campaigns across print, electronic, and digital media platforms. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has rolled out creative public outreach materials, including engaging short videos on liver health.
Recognising the sedentary nature of IT jobs, the ministry of AYUSH has introduced a five-minute “Yoga Break” protocol to be followed during office hours. It combines simple yoga postures (Asanas), breathing techniques (Pranayama) and meditation (Dhyana) to promote physical and mental well-being.
Further, integrated clinical guidelines that blend traditional Indian medicine with modern protocols have been published to ensure a holistic national response. States and Union Territories have been asked to implement screening and referral systems at the community level to aid early detection and intervention.
Nadda emphasised inter-ministerial collaboration and workplace health advisories as vital tools to combat the rising tide of metabolic and lifestyle diseases, especially in urban corporate ecosystems.
The spotlight on Hyderabad’s IT workforce is galvanising India’s public health machinery to address a crucial but under-recognised epidemic to safeguard the well-being of millions in fast-evolving workplaces. The prevalence of increased liver fat and obesity conditions in IT employees highlights the profound impact of sedentary, high-stress work environments common in the tech industry. These findings have prompted comprehensive workplace wellness initiatives to safeguard the health of India’s young, urban workforce.
Key Highlights:
1. 84% of Hyderabad IT employees affected by MAFLD; 71% obese; 34% with Metabolic Syndrome
2. Government guidelines promote healthy eating, physical activity and weight management
3. Multi-channel public awareness campaigns under the National Programme for NCDs and FSSAI outreach
4. 5-minute Yoga Break proposed by the ministry of AYUSH for stress relief and metabolic health
6. ICMR studies confirm widespread fatty liver disease beyond urban centers
7. State-level screenings and inter-ministerial collaboration prioritised for comprehensive management
