Explained: How much alcohol is unsafe, based on age

Source: The post is based on the article “Explained: How much alcohol is unsafe, based on age” published in Indian Express on 16th July 2022

What is the News?

According to a study published in Lancet, young people face higher health risks from alcohol consumption than older adults.

This study is based on the analysis of the Global Burden of Disease. It is the first-ever study to report alcohol risk by geographical region, age and sex.

What are the key findings of the study on Alcohol?

Young men are at the greatest risk of harmful alcohol consumption: Males between the ages 15-39 are at the greatest risk of harmful alcohol consumption. In every region, males in this age group comprised the largest segment of the population drinking unsafe amounts. 

– In this age group, the analysis found no health benefits to drinking alcohol. There are only health risks with 60% of alcohol-related injuries occurring among this segment including motor vehicle accidents, suicides and homicides.

People Aged above 40: For adults over age 40, too, health risks from alcohol consumption vary by age and region. However, consuming a small amount of alcohol can provide some health benefits for people in this age group such as reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and diabetes.

India: In India, 1.85% of females and 25.7% of males in the 15-39 age group consumed unsafe amounts of alcohol in 2020. This was lower than 1.79% of females and 23% of males in the 40-64 age group who consumed unsafe amounts.

Suggestions: The researchers suggested that global alcohol consumption recommendations should be based on age and location with the strictest guidelines targeted toward the 15-39 age group.