A recent medical study reveals that the way alcohol is consumed may be more dangerous than the quantity consumed, as excessive consumption on occasion - even with moderation at other times - can cause serious damage to the liver.
A study conducted by the Keck Institute of Medicine at the University of Southern California showed that people with metabolic dyslipidemia (MASLD) face a much higher risk of developing cirrhosis if they engage in what is known as "accidental excessive drinking".
This pattern refers to consuming four or more alcoholic drinks in one day for women, and five or more for men, even if it only happens once a month.
The results indicate that those who drink large amounts all at once are about three times more likely to develop advanced liver fibrosis than those who spread the same amount over longer periods.
The study also noted that men and young people are more prone to this behavior, and that the risk of infection increases with the number of drinks consumed at one time.
The study's lead researcher, Dr. Brian Lee, said these findings represent a "wake-up call," explaining that medical assessments previously focused on total alcohol consumption, not how it was consumed, which may have overlooked important risks.
He added that individuals should be aware of the dangers of occasional excessive drinking and avoid it, even if they generally drink in moderation.
The study relied on data from more than 8,000 adults in the United States, collected over several years, and focused on the relationship between drinking patterns and liver health, especially among those with MASLD, one of the most common liver diseases, which is often associated with obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Although this disease is not usually classified as an alcohol-related disease, researchers have found that alcohol may play a role in exacerbating it, especially when consumed in large quantities over short periods.
Researchers believe that drinking large amounts all at once puts a strain on the liver and increases inflammation, which accelerates the development of fibrosis, especially in those with other health risk factors.
They also noted that rates of alcohol-related liver disease have risen significantly in recent years, amid increased alcohol consumption and the spread of obesity and metabolic diseases.
The study concludes that awareness should not be limited to the "quantity" of what is drunk, but should also include the "method" of drinking, due to its direct impact on liver health.
