Drinking alcohol in moderation is more harmful than previously thought, according to experts who have reiterated that there’s no “safe” level of alcohol consumption. They say that regardless of the amount, it sure leads to loss of healthy life.
“The results confirm that alcohol consumption is a major avoidable risk factor for noncommunicable diseases such as liver cirrhosis, some cancers and cardiovascular diseases, as well as injuries resulting from violence and road clashes and collisions,” said Dr Carina Ferreira-Borges, Manager of the Alcohol and Illicit Drugs Programme at the WHO European Office for Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.
“It is also associated with several infectious diseases, as mentioned by WHO in several reports on alcohol consumption,” she explained. “The Lancet study confirms the need for the development, implementation and evaluation of cost-effective interventions recommended by WHO, such as the 3 best-buy policies focusing on reducing alcohol availability and marketing and increasing alcohol prices.”
In the same vein, Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), revealed that the health risks associated with alcohol are massive.
“Our findings are consistent with other recent research, which found clear and convincing correlations between drinking and premature death, cancer and cardiovascular problems. Zero alcohol consumption minimizes the overall risk of health loss.”