Alcohol’s Impact on Health: A Reevaluation
In January 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) made a strong statement regarding alcohol consumption: there is no safe level of drinking for health. The agency highlighted that alcohol causes at least seven types of cancer, including breast cancer, and that ethanol (alcohol) directly causes cancer when our cells break it down.
Reviewing the current evidence, the WHO notes that no studies have shown any beneficial effects of drinking that would outweigh the harm it does to the body. A key WHO official noted that the only thing we can say for sure is that “the more you drink, the more harmful it is – or, in other words, the less you drink, the safer it is”. It makes little difference to your body, or your risk of cancer, whether you pay for a bottle of wine or choose a pint at the pub.
Countries have started adopting this position in their national guidance. For example, in 2023, Canada introduced new national recommendations stating that abstinence is the only risk-free approach, and noting that two drinks (approximately four units) a week is considered low-risk. This was a significant change from 2011 when the guidance allowed a maximum of 10 drinks (about 20 units) and 15 drinks (about 30 units) for women and men respectively. The National Health Service (NHS) has adopted the language of “no completely safe level of drinking”, with the guidance suggesting not to drink more than 14 units a week.
Wasn’t red wine once thought to be good for us as part of a Mediterranean diet? Studies from two decades ago suggested so. However, upon reanalysis in 2006 that controlled for health-affecting variables, the benefits of drinking red wine were not confirmed. Since then, evidence has consistently shown that even one glass of wine a day increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart problems.
The alcohol industry has funded studies that have, unsurprisingly, shown the benefits of moderate drinking. This is a reminder to critically assess who funds research, as commercial interests can influence outcomes, as seen with the tobacco industry’s past tactics. For instance, economist Emily Oster’s statement that having one drink a day during pregnancy is safe has been debunked. In 2022, foetal brain imaging studies showed that even minimal alcohol consumption during pregnancy harms the baby’s developing brain.
To summarize, there’s widespread consensus that alcohol poses significant health risks, as demonstrated by large-scale epidemiological studies. This should guide government policies such as health warnings on alcohol labels, bans on multi-buy promotions, restrictions on marketing and advertising, and greater awareness of the health risks of drinking. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid slipping into puritanism, recognizing that people live in a democracy with the freedom to make choices about their health and lifestyle.
As someone who works in public health, I too occasionally partake in alcohol. We humans often make decisions that we know are not ideal for our health, whether it’s indulging in a treat like a doughnut or choosing to drink. Yet, we must acknowledge the health risks associated with drinking, and governments should lead by informing the public accurately, even if it contradicts long-held beliefs or preferences.
There is no moral judgment in how people choose to live their lives and the choices they make. But yes, drinking carries a health risk, and it’s important for individuals and governments alike to confront this reality.
