Research Identifies the Drinking Pattern Most Associated with Liver Disease

UK active alcoholic drinkers to determine how genetic predisposition, drinking behaviors, and type-2 diabetes affect ARC.

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University College London Study Emphasizes Drinking Patterns Over Quantity in Predicting Liver Disease Risk

The University College London study, cited by Fox News, gives information on drinking behaviors and liver disease risk. This study reveals that alcohol intake pattern is more important than amount in predicting alcohol-related cirrhosis (ARC), a serious liver condition.

The study examined 312,599 UK active alcoholic drinkers to determine how genetic predisposition, drinking behaviors, and type-2 diabetes affect ARC. The study’s lead author, Dr. Linda Ng Fat, stressed that drinking behavior is a better determinant of liver disease risk than alcohol amount. Researchers found that interacting risk variables raise “excess risk”.

The study found that heavy binge drinking increases risk. Heavy binge drinkers—12 units a day—are three times more likely to develop ARC. The risk increased fourfold for those with high genetic susceptibility and double for those with type-2 diabetes. Binge drinkers with a genetic predisposition were six times more likely to acquire ARC.

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Drinking Patterns Over Quantity in Predicting Liver Disease Risk

Understanding alcohol consumption was crucial, according to Dr. Fat. The study questions the idea that alcohol consumption is the only factor and emphasizes drinking patterns. The study’s findings highlight the relevance of drinking habits, according to British Liver Trust Chief Executive Pamela Healy. Heavy binge drinking or drinking to get drunk might damage the liver.

The study reveals that liver disease risk depends on both alcohol intake and consumption methods. The study recommends people to watch their drinking and stresses the dangers of alcohol on the liver.

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