Too Much Alcohol May Shorten Life Expectancy

Researchers in the UK have recently examined the effects of drinking more than the recommended limit of five alcoholic beverages per week. The study compiled data from over 80 previous studies involving nearly 600,000 drinkers from 19 countries. The findings showed that for every pint of beer or a glass of wine over the recommended limit, a half an hour was cut from the expected lifespan.

The paper estimates that for a 40 year old who drinks four drinks per day above the guidelines, the life expectancy will be reduced by approximately two years. Likewise, these risks were comparable to smoking, as above two units each day, the death rate will climb steadily.

These findings were published in The Lancet on April 14, 2018.