Alcohol-related liver disease rates are increasing in the US
This increase is predominantly linked to a rise in heavy drinking among four specific groups: women, adults aged 45 and over, individuals living in poverty, and those with metabolic syndrome.
Researchers highlight that while the overall average drinking rate in the US has remained unchanged, demographic and health shifts are contributing factors to the surge in liver disease.
The study, which analyzed data from 1999 to 2020, offers the first comprehensive look at the changing demographics of heavy drinking and its connection to liver damage since the 1990s.
Experts anticipate these findings will assist healthcare professionals in better identifying and treating high-risk populations, potentially leading to more targeted screenings and interventions.
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