What is the recommended safe level of alcohol consumption according to WHO?
What is the recommended safe level of alcohol consumption according to WHO?
Global health body warns even light drinking poses significant risks
The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strict warning: there is no safe level of alcohol consumption. According to the WHO, the risk to health begins with the first drop of alcohol. Hence, even light drinking is potentially hazardous.
Dr. Carina Ferreira-Borges, acting Unit Lead for Noncommunicable Disease Management and Regional Advisor for Alcohol and Illicit Drugs in the WHO Regional Office for Europe, emphasized, “When it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health. The more you drink, the more harmful it is – or, in other words, the less you drink, the safer it is.”
Excessive or chronic alcohol use poses numerous health risks. These risks include liver damage (such as fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis), weakened immune system, cardiovascular issues (high blood pressure, cardiomyopathy, and increased risk of stroke), cognitive impairments, neurological disorders, gastrointestinal problems (gastritis, pancreatitis, and increased risk of gastrointestinal cancers), and mental health issues (depression and anxiety).
Lithuania and South Korea are among the countries with the highest alcohol consumption rates. As per reports, South Koreans on an average drink 10.9 litres of alcohol a year. Vietnam is second to South Korea, followed by Thailand, Mongolia and China. On an average, an Indian consume 4.5 litres of alcohol in a year
Lithuania, driven by cultural traditions around vodka and beer. It consistently tops global rankings for per capita alcohol consumption. In South Korea, the average person consumes 10.9 liters of alcohol annually, reflecting a significant drinking culture.
The WHO’s findings highlight the global challenge posed by alcohol consumption, urging individuals to minimize their intake to protect their health.
