Obesity Epidemic Triggers Fatty Liver, Colorectal Cancer Surge Among Young Pakistanis, Experts Warn at Karachi Conference

KARACHI: Pakistan is facing a growing health crisis as obesity rapidly fuels a dangerous rise in fatty liver disease, liver failure, and colorectal cancer among the country’s younger population, leading health experts revealed at the 7th Annual Conference of the Pakistan GI and Liver Disease Society (PGLDS) in Karachi on Friday.

Calling obesity a “full-blown epidemic,” leading gastroenterologists and liver specialists urged immediate lifestyle changes to prevent life-threatening illnesses and reduce the demand for costly liver transplants in Pakistan. They emphasized the urgent need for a national colorectal cancer screening program, especially as young adults are increasingly being diagnosed with the deadly disease.

“Obesity is no longer just a cosmetic concern — it is now a leading cause of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, a silent killer,” said Dr. Lubna Kamani, President of PGLDS. “Colorectal cancer among young people is on the rise. Prevention through healthy eating, regular exercise, and early detection is the key to saving lives.”

Despite global unrest, the conference brought together top medical experts from Pakistan, Turkey, Qatar, South Korea, South Africa, and Russia to share insights on cutting-edge treatments and screening strategies for gastrointestinal (GI) and liver diseases.

Speaking as chief guest, Sindh Health Secretary Rehan Iqbal Baloch expressed full support for PGLDS and announced government efforts to upgrade endoscopy services and public hospital infrastructure for better GI and liver care.

“We recognize the growing burden of liver and digestive disorders. The Sindh Health Department is committed to expanding access to diagnosis and treatment,” he said.

PGLDS Patron and co-founder Dr. Shahid Ahmed highlighted the society’s mission to train young doctors and promote knowledge in gastroenterology. “What began as a small dream has become a major international event,” he said, celebrating the society’s success over the past eight years.

Dr. Salman Faridi, Medical Director of Liaquat National Hospital, praised the conference as a crucial platform for medical learning and collaboration, while Dr. Sajjad Jamil, PGLDS General Secretary, called the event a “celebration of knowledge and progress.”

Dr. Nazish Butt applauded the increasing participation of female gastroenterologists and voiced concern over the rising trend of late-stage colorectal cancer cases. “We are seeing far too many young patients being diagnosed too late — we need nationwide screening programs before more lives are lost,” she stressed.

Among the international delegates presenting at the event are Prof. Arif Mansur Cosar (Turkey), Prof. Eun Young Kim (South Korea), Prof. Mashiko Setshedi (South Africa), and Prof. Olga (Russia), who will speak on innovations in fatty liver treatments, GI endoscopy, and colorectal screening protocols.

A major highlight of the event was the launch of Pakistan’s first “Atlas of Endoscopy and Liver Diseases,” a pioneering clinical guide designed to standardize treatment protocols and serve as an advanced diagnostic tool for healthcare professionals nationwide.

The two-day conference includes scientific sessions on trending medical breakthroughs, including:

• New drug therapies for fatty liver
• Advanced colorectal cancer screening methods
• Management of GI bleeding through endoscopy
• Role of gut microbiota in liver health

With obesity-related illnesses climbing at an alarming rate, health professionals at the event sent a clear message: “Act now — eat healthy, stay active, get screened.”