Obesity and Regular Alcohol Consumption Linked to High Risk of Liver Disease

A new study conducted in Britain and which has been presented at the International Liver Congress suggests that the combination of obesity and regular consumption of alcohol increases the risk of liver disease.

Researchers at University College of London Institute of Liver and Digestive Health observed more than 107,000 women who had low or high BMI and low or high consumption of alcohol, from 0 to 15 units in a week.

Obesity

Obesity is a condition where there is excess accumulation of body fat which poses a risk to the health of the individual. It can affect children and adults.

The researchers found that those who were obese but did not drink were 1.7 times more likely to develop liver disease compared to those who were thin and did not consume any alcohol. The risk increased to 1.8 times among those who were thin and drank alcohol while it was the highest, at three times, among those who were obese and drank alcohol.

"It's well known that alcohol and a person's weight are major causes of chronic liver disease, but there has been a need for a large population study to compare these factors' influences on each other. Interestingly, the research found the combination of a woman's drinking habits and weight has an important effect on liver health and life expectancy", European Association for the Study of the Liver Committee's Dr Daniele Prati said.

Source: Medindia