Australian scientists compared how alcohol affects the liver of people with normal body weight, overweight and obesity. Their work was published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition.
Scientists analyzed data from over 465 people aged 40-69 who were followed for an average of 10.5 years. They compared liver risks in overweight and normal-weight people who drank more than the UK recommendations (more than 10 standard drinks, equivalent to 10 grams of pure alcohol, per week).
People c who were overweight or obese had an almost 600% higher risk of developing alcoholic fatty liver disease, than those who were of normal weight. Their risk of dying from this problem was 700% greater.
Overweight and obesity increased the risk of developing liver diseases in people who took alcohol without exceeding the recommendations. This risk was 50% higher than in people with normal weight.
Scientists believe that in the new medical guidelines there should be a separate mention of the combined harmful effects of alcohol and excess weight on health.
«Based on our study data, people who are overweight, not just obese, should drink alcohol with caution and may aim to drink much less than recommended» , said Emmanuel Stamatakis (Emmanuel Stamatakis) of the University of Sydney, co-author of the study.