IT Industry Health Crisis: Majority of Employees at Risk for Fatty Liver and Obesity
IT Industry Health Crisis: Majority of Employees at Risk for Fatty Liver and Obesity
A recent study by the University of Hyderabad (UoH) has revealed a serious health concern among IT professionals in India. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Asian Institute of Gastroenterology (AIG), found that a staggering 84% of IT employees in Hyderabad suffer from Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD). This alarming statistic is linked to the sedentary nature of the IT industry, where long hours of sitting, work-related stress, and poor sleep habits are common. Add to this an unhealthy diet high in calories and sugar, and a lack of physical activity, and the risk of developing MAFLD and other non-communicable diseases increases significantly.
The study, led by UoH scientists Kalyankar Mahadev and CT Anitha, along with research scholars Bharam Bhargava and Nanditha Pramod, was conducted randomly among 345 IT employees in Hyderabad between July 2023 and July 2024. The researchers believe that promoting healthy habits and providing support for IT professionals can help to mitigate the prevalence of MAFLD and improve the overall health of this crucial workforce. Prof. Mahadev, in an official release on Tuesday, highlighted the prevalence of MAFLD in the IT sector. He emphasized that the IT sector, a vital part of the Indian economy employing over 5.4 million people, needs to address the health risks associated with the industry’s sedentary lifestyle.
Fatty liver disease is a serious health problem that develops when fat accumulates in the liver, exceeding 5% of its weight. This buildup is often linked to lifestyle factors and metabolic conditions. If left untreated, fatty liver can progress to severe liver diseases like cirrhosis and cancer, sometimes necessitating a liver transplant.
It also revealed that a staggering 71% of IT employees are obese, and approximately 34% suffer from metabolic syndrome, a group of conditions that significantly increase the risk of fatty liver, obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for the IT industry to prioritize the health of its workforce. While many major IT companies have established health and wellness programs, employees need to actively participate in these programs for their own well-being.
Regular health check-ups, screenings for fatty liver, and a focus on achieving a healthy work-life balance and managing stress are essential steps to help prevent and mitigate the incidence of fatty liver disease.
The research project funded by the Union Ministry of Education’s Institution of Eminence (IoE) Program has been accepted for publication in the prestigious scientific journal (Scientific Reports), published by Nature. The study’s findings will be shared with the scientific community. The researchers expressed their gratitude to the University of Hyderabad’s Vice-Chancellor, BJ Rao, and the Director of the Institute of Eminence, M Ghanashyam Krishna, for their support and guidance throughout the research process.
