Alcohol a Leading Risk Factor for Premature Death

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by André Sofair, MD, MPH

In 2016, some 2.2% of deaths among females and 6.8% among males were attributable to alcohol, according to a study in The Lancet.

Researchers with the Global Burden of Diseases Study 2016 examined data on population alcohol consumption, as well as results from nearly 600 studies on the health effects of alcohol, to estimate alcohol use and its impact in nearly 200 countries and territories. Among the other findings:

• Worldwide, roughly one-third of people aged 15 and older were current drinkers. Women averaged 0.7 standard drinks daily, while men consumed 1.7 daily.

• Alcohol was the seventh leading risk factor for premature death and disability. For those aged 15-49, alcohol was the number one risk factor.

• Moderate alcohol intake (about a drink a day) was associated with reduced risk for ischemic heart disease, but for all other outcomes, including cancers, risks increased with alcohol consumption.

The researchers conclude, "Our results show that the safest level of drinking is none."

Dr. Richard Saitz, addiction specialist and associate editor for Physician's First Watch, added, "This comprehensive global study now confirms what shouldn't have been surprising — that the health risks of this intoxicating carcinogen increase linearly. What is new is that these risks appear to not be outweighed by any (likely nonexistent) benefits related to heart disease."