On the occasion of World Liver Day, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, urged all citizens to adopt mindful eating practices and prioritize healthier living. Stressing the importance of small yet impactful changes, he highlighted that measures such as reducing oil intake can significantly contribute to improving overall health and well-being.

Responding to a post by Union Minister JP Nadda on X, PM Modi said:

“Commendable effort to mark #WorldLiverDay with a call for mindful eating and healthier living. Small steps like reducing oil intake can make a big difference.  Together, let’s build a fitter, healthier India by raising awareness about obesity.”

Commendable effort to mark #WorldLiverDay with a call for mindful eating and healthier living. Small steps like reducing oil intake can make a big difference. Together, let’s build a fitter, healthier India by raising awareness about obesity. #StopObesity https://t.co/CNnlonFHhW

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 19, 2025

Narendra Modi on X: "Commendable effort to mark #WorldLiverDay with a call for mindful eating and healthier living. Small steps like reducing oil intake can make a big difference. Together, let’s build a fitter, healthier India by raising awareness about obesity. #StopObesity" / X

World Liver Day is a joint annual campaign by the Healthy Livers, Healthy Lives Coalition of global associations dedicated to the study of the liver and liver diseases (EASL, AASLD, ALEH, APASL, and SOLDA), working collaboratively to raise awareness and promote liver health worldwide.

More than 1/3 of the global adult population is affected by metabolic dysfunction-associated liver disease. MASLD progression can cause inflammation, scarring, and heighten the chances of developing liver cancer. MASLD is linked to diabetes, obesity, and high cholesterol and is often silent in its early stages. However, it is highly preventable and even reversible through healthy nutrition patterns.

Adopting a diet abundant in minimally processed foods, low in sugar and saturated fats, and high in polyphenols and healthy fats supports liver health. Losing just 5-10% of total body weight can significantly reduce liver fat, curb inflammation, and even reverse early liver damage.

Healthy eating is not equally accessible or affordable for all, and the campaign advocates for policies that promote nutritious food environments. Government initiatives such as dietary guidelines, food labeling, zoning laws, taxes on unhealthy foods, and school meal programs can facilitate healthier choices. It can simply be said- “You are what You eat”.

French lawyer Anthelme Brillat-Savarin famously said, “Tell me what you eat, and I will tell you what you are.” This holds especially true for liver health, as the liver plays a crucial role in breaking down food, storing energy, and filtering toxins. It works non-stop to process nutrients and eliminate waste, but when overburdened—whether by excess fat, alcohol, or toxins—it can become damaged beyond repair. The best way to support liver is to choose food wisely—because liver works as hard as one does.

Healthy livers are the foundation for healthy lives. The health of one’s liver reflects the health of environment. Every sip one takes and meal one makes shapes one’s liver health. One can support one’s liver in healing the body and healing itself. One’s liver deserves care at every stage – starting today makes a difference. Even years of damage can be reversed – healthy changes today can cut liver disease risk by 50%.

So, the theme for World Liver Day 2025 is “Food is Medicine”. We celebrate how balanced nutrition can be a game-changer for liver health. A balanced diet rich in whole foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—helps prevent disease and supports liver function. For many, healthy eating is neither accessible nor affordable. Policies and commercial influences shape food environments, making nutritious choices easier or harder.

Governments can promote health through dietary guidelines, food labelling, zoning laws, taxes on unhealthy foods, and school meal programs. Many of these factors are largely out of the control of ordinary citizens. It’s important to recognize that these barriers to healthy eating do exist and can make eating healthy very challenging. One step you can take is to stay informed about how your diet impacts your health and make small, achievable changes to your lifestyle.

If you can make sustainable changes to your diet, even little ones, the positive impact this can have on your liver health and overall health will be monumental. So, this year's theme advocates the importance of balanced nutrition which can be a game changer for liver health. It also attempts to encourage authorities to form policies that can help make nutritious foods accessible and affordable to everyone.