Federal Report Links Alcohol Consumption to Increased Health Risks

Federal Report Links Alcohol Consumption to Increased Health Risks

A new federal report has raised alarm about the health risks associated with alcohol consumption, highlighting an increased likelihood of early death, disease, and injury. Released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the draft findings reveal that even moderate drinking levels may pose significant dangers, sparking debates on current alcohol guidelines.

According to the report, consuming more than seven alcoholic drinks per week elevates the risk of early death to 1 in 1,000, while exceeding nine drinks per week raises it to 1 in 100. This contrasts with current U.S. guidelines, which permit up to two drinks per day for men and one for women, suggesting these recommendations could soon face tighter scrutiny.

The findings also shed light on alcohol’s role in serious health conditions. The report revealed that men who consume just one drink per day face a 51% greater risk of developing oesophageal cancer, while women have a 37% higher likelihood of developing liver cirrhosis compared to non-drinkers. Drinking three or more drinks daily significantly increases the chances of unintentional injuries by up to 68%, and long-term use heightens the risk of liver disease, especially for those with pre-existing conditions.

Although previous research suggested moderate drinking might offer some cardiovascular benefits, the report dispels this notion. It found that potential protective effects disappear with as little as two drinks per day.

This report, along with another on alcohol’s relationship with health, will guide the HHS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in developing the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These guidelines influence public policies, including health programmes and food and drink labelling, making the findings particularly impactful.

However, the conclusions have faced backlash. The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States criticised the report, calling it “biased” and accusing it of relying on flawed methodologies. The organisation argued that the study was influenced by anti-alcohol advocacy groups and lacked financial authorisation from Congress. Despite this resistance, the report’s authors, including Dr Timothy Naimi, stress that alcohol’s long-term effects may be even more dangerous than reported, due to limitations in current studies.

Public opinion could play a crucial role in shaping future guidelines. A comment period for the public is open until 14 February 2025, providing an opportunity for individuals to express feedback on the report’s findings.

With these revelations, the perception of what constitutes ‘safe’ alcohol consumption could shift dramatically, prompting stricter guidelines and broader awareness of alcohol-related health risks.

Source: US News

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