Adequate sleep of seven hours is vital for maintaining health, as even an hour more or less can contribute to weight gain and liver problems, stated Dr Shiv Kumar Sarin, Liver Specialist from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences (ILBS). He was speaking at the launch of his book Own Your Body at AIG Hospitals during a public health awareness programme, The Wellbeing Show, hosted by Dr D Nageshwar Reddy.
Dr Sarin’s book narrates patient stories and highlights the critical role of early detection and prevention of diseases. “If a young girl who has come to be was aware of a condition, she could take necessary precautions,” he said, emphasising the importance of public awareness.
During the session, Dr Sarin shared alarming insights: one in three people globally has fatty liver, a condition often ignored. “Fatty liver is like a fire alarm, and we are now seeing it even in children. While banning fast food is not feasible, educating the public about choosing the right food, such as avoiding excessive fructose, is crucial,” he added.
Dr Sarin also raised concerns about poor exercise habits among youth, urging individuals to engage in 45 minutes of sweat-inducing exercise daily. Addressing misconceptions about alcohol, he warned, “If you are drinking to reduce cholesterol, you are misinformed. Alcohol must be labelled as a carcinogen.”
He advised young parents to plan childbirth only when in good health to avoid passing on genetic conditions to their children. Additionally, he recommended families create a health family tree to document hereditary conditions like diabetes, obesity and hypertension, encouraging proactive measures to move toward better health outcomes.
