A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology has found that heavy drinkers with diabetes, high blood pressure, or a high waist circumference are more than 2 times as likely to develop advanced liver disease. The research, led by Dr. Brian P. Lee of Keck Medicine, analyzed data from over 40,000 participants and discovered that these conditions increase the risk of liver damage when combined with excessive alcohol consumption.
The study highlights three key health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, and a high waist circumference – all associated with cardiometabolic risk factors. These conditions are linked to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, which can lead to fibrosis and scarring of the liver. Heavy drinking also contributes to fat buildup in the liver.
According to Dr. Lee, the study’s findings suggest that preexisting health issues have a significant impact on how alcohol affects the liver. The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to investigate which cardiometabolic risk factors predispose the liver to damage from alcohol.
The results show that heavy drinkers with diabetes or high waist circumference are 2.4 times more likely to develop advanced liver disease, while those with high blood pressure are 1.8 times more likely. However, high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol had less significant correlations to liver disease.
Dr. Lee emphasizes that the study does not imply it is safe for those without these three cardiometabolic risks to consume large amounts of alcohol. He hopes that the findings will encourage people to consider their individual health and risk profile when making decisions about alcohol consumption, and he advocates for personalized health screenings and interventions for those who drink with cardiometabolic risk factors.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-heavy-drinkers-advanced-liver-disease.html