11 Silent Health Risks Common in South Asian Genetics

4. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) — What You Need to Know

NAFLD shows up when fat builds inside the liver without heavy alcohol use. It links closely to insulin resistance and is increasingly found in South Asian communities. Often, there are no symptoms until the condition progresses, so elevations in liver enzymes or an ultrasound picked up for another reason may be the first sign. That’s why doctors in high-risk groups screen more proactively. Food habits common to South Asian households—frequent refined grains and sugary treats—can raise liver fat. Shifting to whole grains, more pulses, and vegetables helps. Avoid late-night deep-fried snacks and watch portion size at festive meals. If NAFLD is detected, weight loss of even 5-10 percent can reduce liver fat significantly. Your clinician may order liver function tests and imaging, and refer you to a dietitian familiar with South Asian food to design realistic meal plans.