India, Sept. 14 -- My 8-year-old has been detected with fatty liver. I am worried about my 6-year-old getting it too. What should I do? Is there any medicine to treat this condition? Fatty liver disease in children - referred to as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and now renamed as MASLD (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease). MASLD - is one of the most common chronic liver conditions in children now. This condition develops when extra fat builds up in the liver. It ranges from simple fat deposits to a more severe form where the liver becomes inflamed and damaged. If not identified early, it can lead to progressive damage. A 2024 global review estimated that 13% of all children and nearly 47% of obese children may have MASLD (1). In India, pooled analysis from eight studies found that 12.4% of non-obese children had fatty liver disease, and the rates were as high as 60% among obese children (2). Children with a fatty liver are also at higher risk of developing diabetes and heart disease later in life. The challenge in diagnosing MASLD is that most children do not show symptoms. This disorder is suspected when liver enzymes are found to be raised in a blood test. An ultrasound confirms the diagnosis. Sometimes, advanced scans like a FibroScan or MRI may be needed. The good news is that even small lifestyle changes can help reverse fatty liver in many children. The key is consistent adherence to those changes. Simple steps make a big difference: References 1. Zobair M Younossi. Clin Mol Hepatol. 2024 2. Shalimar. J Clin Exp Hepatol. 2021 Dr Anupam Sibal is a leading Paediatric Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist with over three decades of experience and five books to his credit, including the National Bestseller Is Your Child Ready to face the World?...