14 Year Old With Grade 3 Fatty Liver Radiologist Shares Alarming Case Of A Teenager With Triglycerides Nearing 400
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Hindustan TimesVerified Publisher
Recalling the case of a teenage patient, Dr Vyas said, "Look at this 14-year-old child with Grade 3 fatty liver. His triglyceride level was nearly 400 mg/dL. Can you imagine? Nearly 400 in a child." Instead of questioning the boy, Dr Vyas turned to his mother to understand his daily diet. "I asked his mother, 'What does he eat in a day?' She said, 'Doctor, my son is a big foodie. No matter how much I stop him, every day he eats a packet of chips, Kurkure or Cheetos. He
. Can you imagine? Nearly 400 in a child." Instead of questioning the boy, Dr Vyas turned to his mother to understand his daily diet.
"I asked his mother, 'What does he eat in a day?' She said, 'Doctor, my son is a big foodie. No matter how much I stop him, every day he eats a packet of chips, Kurkure or Cheetos. He also drinks at least one bottle of Coke daily,'" he shared.
Expressing concern over the situation, Dr Vyas said, “I asked her, 'Why couldn't you stop him? If your child is falling into a pit, why would you let him?'”
According to the doctor, the teenager's condition extends beyond fatty liver. "He already has Grade 3 fatty liver. I have also advised an HbA1c test, and I'm certain it will be elevated. If this continues, he could develop diabetes within the next five years. Can you imagine what kind of life he will have? He is already obese and does almost no physical activity," he warned.
Dr Vyas emphasised that this is not an isolated case. "This isn't just one child. Every week, we see at least four or five children with Grade 2 or Grade 3 fatty liver. The prevalence of fatty liver among children in India is very high," he said.
He also stressed the importance of spending quality time with children and encouraging physical activity. "If your child has no one to play with, then you should play with them. Please spend at least an hour every day doing some physical activity together. It will keep both you and your child healthy," he advised.
Dr Vyas concluded by reminding parents that children learn by observing their families. "If you stay healthy, your child will naturally pick up healthy habits. But if you spend your time scrolling on your phone while sitting on the couch, your child will learn the same. If you eat unhealthy food, they will too. If you drink alcohol regularly, they will see and imitate that as well. First improve your own habits, and your children will gradually follow your example," he said.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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Akanksha Agnihotri is a lifestyle journalist with over 3 years of experience. She is a psychology graduate and holds a postgraduate diploma in Radio and Television Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Delhi, where she graduated as a gold medalist. Originally from Bhopal, the beautiful capital of Madhya Pradesh, she draws inspiration from the city’s rich cultural heritage and layered storytelling traditions that subtly shape her narrative voice. She writes extensively about fashion, beauty, health, relationships, culture, and food, exploring everything from trending styles and runway moments to wellness routines and mindful living. Passionate about meaningful and candid conversations, she enjoys interviewing celebrities, doctors, designers, and film personalities, diving into discussions on fitness, beauty, mental health, and everything fun in between. With a keen eye for trends and a thoughtful understanding of human behaviour, she brings depth, sensitivity, and authenticity to her stories, ensuring they resonate with a wide and diverse audience. When she’s not working, you’ll usually find her lost in a book, planning her next mountain trek, or mapping out spontaneous travel escapes. She loves discovering new authors, revisiting old favourites, and spending quiet afternoons in museums soaking in art, history, and culture. An avid bird-watching enthusiast, she finds joy in early morning walks, spotting rare birds, and reconnecting with nature. Whether sipping coffee while journaling her thoughts or exploring hidden corners of a new city, she constantly seeks inspiration in everyday moments that often turn into compelling story ideas.Read More