This puts a dark cloud over happy hour
A new set of data has suggested that drinking under the age of 40 may have detrimental health risks, while over 40s may actually benefit from limited alcohol consumption.
The study revealed that the ideal amount of alcohol for men to consumer per days is just one shot glass’s worth – around 38ml. Meanwhile, women can enjoy a little bit more – 100ml or roughly two tablespoons of wine or beer for those aged 39 and under.
The ongoing Global Burden of Diseases study from the University of Washington produces the most comprehensive data sets on the causes of illness and death around the world. In their latest conclusion, the scientists found young people gain little benefit from drinking.
Their report is the first to compare alcohol risk by geographical region, age, sex, and year. Their findings have spurred the suggestion that global alcohol consumption recommendations should be based on age and location.
Collating data from 204 countries, researchers found that 1.34 billion people drank harmful amounts of alcohol in 2020, 59 per cent of which were aged 15-39.
They have suggested the strictest guidelines for this age group, a third of which were men because they are typically at greater risk of injury or death relating to car accidents, suicides, and murders.
“Our message is simple: young people should not drink, but older people may benefit from drinking small amounts,” said the senior author, Dr Emmanuela Gakidou.
“While it may not be realistic to think young adults will abstain from drinking, we do think it’s important to communicate the latest evidence so that everyone can make informed decisions about their health.”
Using information provided by the 2020 Global Burden of Disease list, researchers were able to estimate how much alcohol a person can drink before the threat of significant risk. They found that the level increases in a person’s lifetime, but for 15-39-year-olds, just 0.136 of the standard drink is safe. This is about the same size as a shot glass.
The amount was slightly different for women of the same age, with their team recommending o.273 drinks.
Those over 40 could find minor health benefits in drinking a small amount, such as a reduced risk of ischaemic heart disease, stroke and diabetes. Even between 40-54, the recommended consumption levels range between half a standard drink and almost two. Potential health risks peaked at three standard drinks a day.
Still, the average drink number for those over 40 is around 1.87 drinks a day.
While it could be argued that most people drink knowing it’s not particularly good for them, this new study could offer insight into the specifics of how drinking culture affects our health.
Related links:
- Snooker player fined £7,000 for ‘extreme drunken behaviour’ at Turkish Masters
- Man dies after downing bottle of Jagermeister in under two minutes
- No beer will be served inside stadiums at World Cup in Qatar
