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American Heavy Drinkers Face Double the Risk of Severe Liver Disease Over Two Decades

The analysis links the surge to shifting heavy-drinker profiles, including increased shares of women, middle-aged adults, low-income individuals, people with metabolic syndrome

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New research suggests that the rate of liver disease has doubled in the last 20 years, and demographics around heavy drinking are shifting, with the largest increases being among women, older adults and those living in poverty.

Overview

  • The risk of significant liver damage among Americans who drink heavily more than doubled between 1999 and 2020, according to a Keck Medicine of USC study.
  • Researchers analyzed NHANES data from 1999 to 2020 and found that average per capita alcohol consumption remained stable before the pandemic.
  • Shifting heavy-drinker demographics now include higher proportions of women, adults 45 and older, low-income individuals and people with metabolic syndrome.
  • Increased prevalence of obesity, hypertension and diabetes in these groups has compounded the impact of alcohol on liver scarring.
  • Study authors recommend enhanced screening and targeted interventions to detect and prevent advanced liver disease in high-risk populations.