A recent study has revealed that alcohol consumption significantly heightens the risk of severe liver disease, particularly in individuals with obesity, diabetes, or high blood pressure.
Published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the study found that those with excess abdominal fat or diabetes who consumed more than moderate amounts of alcohol faced more than double the likelihood of developing liver scarring or damage.
Dr. Andrew Freeman, director of cardiovascular prevention and wellness at National Health in Denver, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of these findings. He noted that many individuals engage in unhealthy behaviors, particularly during social events like sports gatherings, where processed meats and high-fat foods are frequently consumed.
“People tend to do exactly what they shouldn’t, essentially poisoning themselves,” Freeman said. “During big events, they eat foods like hot dogs, sausage, bacon, pepperoni, and ham—processed meats that fall into the same cancer risk category as cigarettes.”
High-Risk Individuals Identified
The study identified key risk factors for liver disease, including a waist circumference of at least 35 inches for women and 40 inches for men—common markers of obesity. Additionally, high blood sugar and hypertension were linked to excessive fat accumulation in the liver, which can lead to fibrosis (scarring).
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure, over one-third have prediabetes, and approximately 40% are classified as obese—conditions that significantly contribute to fatty liver disease. If left untreated, this condition can progress to cirrhosis, increasing the risk of liver failure and cancer.
Dr. Brian Lee, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine, underscored how pre-existing health conditions exacerbate the impact of alcohol on liver health.
“Our findings highlight a high-risk population prone to liver disease and suggest that underlying health issues significantly influence how alcohol affects the liver,” Lee told CNN.
No Safe Threshold for Heavy Drinkers
While the study focused on individuals with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, Lee warned that even those without these conditions remain at risk if they consume excessive alcohol.
“We know that alcohol is toxic to the liver, and all heavy drinkers are vulnerable to advanced liver disease,” he said.
In the United States, a standard drink is defined as 0.6 ounces (14 grams) of pure alcohol, which equates to five ounces of wine (12% alcohol), a 12-ounce beer (5% alcohol), or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits (80 proof).
Lee noted that the combination of alcohol and fatty liver deposits likely explains why heavy drinkers with pre-existing conditions face the highest risk of liver damage. However, alcohol alone is enough to cause liver cell damage, inflammation, and scarring—potentially leading to cirrhosis or liver cancer.
“Even if a person doesn’t have a large waistline, high blood pressure, or diabetes, heavy drinking is never safe,” Lee warned.
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