302: Alcohol & Damp January: The Research on Moderate Drinking – Jennifer Tujague

Full shownotes, transcript and resources here: https://soundbitesrd.com/302                    

The health risks of heavy drinking are well-established. But what about the health risks of light to moderate drinking? More people, especially the Gen Z population, are leaning toward moderation of alcohol intake rather than going completely dry, shifting the popular "Dry January" challenge toward more of a "Damp January" trend. While the role of alcohol in health-related outcomes is complex and nuanced, a new meta-analysis of 23 major studies from 2000 to 2024 found that light-to-moderate drinking carries the same – or in some cases lower – risk of death compared to abstaining, while lifestyle factors like diet and exercise play a huge role in outcomes. Likewise, a new report published in September sheds light on alcohol and health including WHO data showing reductions in alcohol-related morbidity and mortality with many countries on track to meet targets for reducing harmful drinking.

Tune in to this episode with guest Jennifer Tujague, MPH, to learn about:

• ·       the different and conflicting reports on alcohol intake and recommendations
• ·       the research on alcohol consumption and health
• ·       how moderation is defined
• ·       different drinking patterns and associated risks
• ·       combined effects of obesity and alcohol
• ·       alcohol and weight 
• ·       GLP-1s and alcohol
• ·       Non-alcoholic beverages
• ·       The Damp January trend
• ·       resources for health professionals and the public