Summary: New research presented at The Liver Meeting shows significant dietary and lifestyle differences among alcohol consumers based on their drinking preferences. A study published in Nutrients found that beer-only drinkers consistently scored lowest on measures of eating habits and physical activity levels compared to those who drank wine, spirits or mixed drinks.
Journal: Nutrients, 13 November 2024 | Reading time: 4 minutes
Understanding drinking habits and health
As liver disease rates continue to rise in the United States, researchers are examining the complex relationship between alcohol choices and overall health habits. A new study of more than 1,900 American adults who drink alcohol shows that their lifestyle patterns change significantly depending on their beverage preferences.
“Alcohol abuse is the leading cause of cirrhosis in the United States, and metabolic-related fatty liver disease (MASLD) is rapidly increasing,” explains Madeline Novack, lead author of the study. “The two types of liver disease often coexist, and lifestyle changes, starting with understanding the link between alcohol use and poor nutrition, are key to managing and preventing these conditions.”
Measuring Diet Quality
The research team used the Healthy Eating Index, a standardized 100-point scale based on dietary guidelines, to assess participants’ eating habits. Although no group achieved the 80-point threshold considered appropriate for a healthy diet, beer drinkers scored significantly lower than the other groups.
Beer drinkers, representing 38.9% of participants, scored only 49 points. In comparison, wine drinkers (21.8% of participants) scored 55 points, while only alcohol drinkers (18.2%) and those who drink several types of alcohol (21%) both scored close to 53 points.
context matters
This study suggests that drinking context may play an important role in these dietary patterns. In the United States, beer is often consumed in environments with foods low in fiber and high in carbohydrates and processed meats. Conversely, wine, especially red wine, is often paired with a more complete meal that includes meat, vegetables, and dairy.
These findings may have important implications for health care providers. The researchers suggest that doctors should inquire about the type of alcohol consumed to better guide discussions about healthy behavior. This is especially true for beer-only drinkers who may benefit from increasing their fruit and vegetable intake and physical activity levels.
vocabulary:
- Cirrhosis: Severe scarring of the liver caused by various forms of liver disease.
- MASLD: Fatty liver disease associated with metabolic disorders
- Healthy Eating Index: A standardized tool to measure diet quality according to dietary guidelines.
- Diet Quality: A measure of how well someone’s diet meets nutritional guidelines.
quiz:
- What percentage of study participants were beer-only drinkers?
Answer: 38.9% - What was the healthy eating index score of beer drinkers?
Answer: 49 points - What is an appropriate score on the Healthy Eating Index?
Answer: 80 points - What percentage of participants drank only wine?
Answer: 21.8%
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