Many people grapple with the decision of whether to enjoy a glass of wine, a beer, or simply opt for juice, especially during social events, Friday nights, or while shopping for the weekend. While personal preferences vary, recent guidance from health authorities might influence your choice.
It is well-established that binge drinking is harmful. But what about light to moderate drinking? In January 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) released a notable statement: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption for health. The WHO emphasized that alcohol is linked to at least seven types of cancer, including breast cancer, and that ethanol (alcohol) directly causes cancer when metabolized by the body.
According to the WHO, current research does not show any benefits of drinking alcohol that outweigh its risks. A key WHO official stated, “the more you drink, the more harmful it is – or, in other words, the less you drink, the safer it is.” The type or price of alcohol does not change its harmful effects; whether a bottle costs £5 or £500, alcohol remains detrimental.
National guidelines have begun reflecting this view. For instance, Canada updated its recommendations in 2023 to state that abstinence is the only risk-free option. The new guidelines suggest that consuming up to two drinks (about four units) per week is considered low risk. This represents a change from the 2011 guidelines, which allowed up to 10 drinks (about 20 units) per week for women and 15 drinks (about 30 units) for men. The NHS now advises not drinking more than 14 units per week, roughly equivalent to six glasses of wine or pints of beer.
Red wine was once believed to be beneficial for heart health, particularly as part of a Mediterranean diet. However, studies from two decades ago failed to account for factors such as higher education, wealth, and healthier lifestyles among red wine drinkers. A 2006 analysis that controlled for these variables found no health benefits from red wine. More recent evidence suggests that even moderate daily consumption of red wine increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart issues.
The alcohol industry has funded studies suggesting benefits from moderate drinking, which underscores the importance of considering who funds research and potential conflicts of interest. Similar tactics were used by the tobacco industry in the past. Claims, such as those by economist Emily Oster about the safety of drinking one alcoholic drink a day during pregnancy, have been debunked. Recent fetal brain imaging shows that even small amounts of alcohol during pregnancy can harm a baby’s developing brain.
In summary, large-scale studies consistently show that alcohol is harmful to the body. This is not a moral judgment but a conclusion based on extensive research. Governments should use this information to implement health warnings on alcohol labels, restrict multi-buy promotions, and regulate marketing and advertising. However, it is important to respect personal freedom and not impose overly strict regulations.
As a public health professional, I acknowledge the personal choice of enjoying a drink occasionally. Each person weighs risks differently, and many find joy in sharing a bottle of wine or having a few pints with friends. While there are health risks associated with alcohol consumption, acknowledging these risks and making informed choices is crucial.
