Overview

• An analysis of U.S. NHANES data by Keck Medicine of USC found advanced liver scarring in heavy drinkers rose from 1.8% to 4.3% between 1999 and 2020 despite little change in reported consumption.
• The study reports bigger increases among women, adults over 45 and people with obesity or diabetes, with metabolic syndrome in heavy drinkers rising from 26% to nearly 38%.
• Non-heavy drinkers saw a smaller increase in significant fibrosis (0.8% to 1.4%), while separate research shows binge episodes and even lower chronic intake can damage the liver and speed progression in MASLD and hepatitis C, including an 11% higher cirrhosis risk per additional daily drink in hepatitis C.
• Public-health evidence indicates alcohol taxes or minimum pricing, limits on availability, and restrictions on marketing reduce consumption and alcohol-related liver mortality, with states strengthening policies seeing subsequent declines.
• Clinicians highlight practical steps such as Mediterranean-style eating, cardio plus resistance exercise, and moderate coffee intake, alongside guidance to keep intake within limits like the UK’s 14 units per week with alcohol‑free days.