Chennai, Oct 31: To raise awareness about liver health and encourage healthier lifestyles, MGM Healthcare organised a 2.5-km community cyclothon, "Pedal for Liver", in association with Vada Chennai Cyclists. More than 150 cycling enthusiasts took part in the early-morning ride that is part of the hospital's annual liver awareness initiative. This October, the hospital focuses on fatty liver disease.
The event was flagged off by Thiru. V.K Ramkumar, MLA, Annanagar Constituency in the presence of Dr. Thiagarajan Srinivasan, Senior Consultant and Director, Institute of Liver Diseases, Transplant & HPB Surgery, Mr. Pathmanaban, Chief Executive Officer and Mr. Rajesh Agarwala, Medical Service Director, MGM Healthcare.
Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease, the new terminology for fatty liver disease, is closely linked with metabolic risk factors such as obesity, diabetes and high cholesterol, and sedentary lifestyles and often progresses without noticeable symptoms. It can lead to liver inflammation, fibrosis and advanced liver disease if left untreated.
In his comments, Dr. Thiagarajan Srinivasan, Senior Consultant and Director, Institute of Liver Diseases, Transplant & HPB Surgery, MGM Healthcare, said,
"It is high time we give liver health the same importance as every other aspect of our well-being. Fatty liver disease often advances silently, so it is vital to detect it early, especially in individuals with high risk factors. FibroScan, a non-invasive assessment, evaluates liver stiffness, an indicator of fibrosis, and also estimates liver fat using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). However, the need for testing should be determined by a healthcare professional based on clinical assessment. Early identification, appropriate evaluation and timely lifestyle and medical intervention can stop progression and protect long-term liver health. Balanced nutrition, regular physical activity, limiting alcohol and maintaining a healthy weight go a long way. It is important to make small, consistent changes from today."
“An expert panel of 20 doctors, including liver specialists, gastroenterologists, physicians, endocrinologists, surgeons and nutritionists, convened to set standards for diagnosing MASLD. The panel also worked to standardise the use of non-invasive tests such as FibroScan, and to define treatment, from diet and lifestyle changes to pharmacological therapy and bariatric surgery. To educate healthcare professionals on the same, the hospital has organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme titled, ‘A practical update on Metabolic Dysfunction – Associated Steatotic Liver Disease’ on October 21. More than 120 doctors attended the programme to learn and spread awareness among one and all," he added.
As part of the cyclothon, registered participants can avail themselves of a 50% discount coupon for FibroScan at the hospital. It is aimed at creating awareness about liver health assessment and the importance of taking timely, informed steps towards preventive care.
Through the cyclothon, MGM Healthcare aims to encourage the general public to incorporate physical activity and other healthier habits into their lifestyles. They reinforce their commitment to raising community health awareness, early identification of health risks and patient-centric preventive care. The message is simple "Ride for a cause. Raise awareness. Put liver health first!"