
Bengaluru doctors take up ‘Liver Tech Study’ to assess prevalence of digital lifestyle-associated liver disease among IT professionals
The Hindu
Hepatologists in Bengaluru launch "Liver Tech Check" to study digital lifestyle-related liver disease among IT professionals.
A team of hepatologists from Bengaluru have taken up a new public health initiative titled “Liver Tech Check” to assess the prevalence of digital lifestyle-associated liver disease among IT professionals.
The cross-sectional observational study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of Steatotic Liver Disease (SLD) — including Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) — among IT professionals in the city.
Previously referred to as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), MASLD is known as the fatty liver disease that results from excessive fats being deposited into the liver cells. This condition is often associated with obesity, diabetes and metabolic syndrome. While the liver normally has some fat, it is of concern when fat makes up more than 5% to 10% of the total weight of the liver., doctors said.
The “Liver Tech Check” is a two-year study focused on understanding the prevalence and characteristics of SLD among adults aged 21–60 years working in Bengaluru’s IT sector.
“Targeting a sample size of over 500 participants, the study employs a structured screening questionnaire based on validated tools. We are looking at capturing data on work stress, dietary habits, physical activity, screen time, alcohol and caffeine intake, sleep patterns, and family history,” said Sonal Asthana, Programme Director of Liver Transplantation at Aster group of Hospitals, who is the Principal Investigator (PI) of the study.
“The questionnaire assesses key lifestyle and occupational risks, including sitting hours, shift work, Work From Home (WFH) - related changes in activity, common SLD symptoms (like fatigue or upper abdominal discomfort), liver enzyme history, and family background of metabolic or liver conditions,” Dr. Asthana told The Hindu on Saturday.