A new study shows rates of serious liver scarring more than doubled over the last 20 years among heavy drinkers as the demographics of drinkers shift to include older adults and women. Doctors say more drinkers need to be aware of what constitutes a drink and the associated risks.

Toronto

Recent research has found that rates of serious liver scarring linked to heavy drinking have more than doubled over two decades, with the increase nearly tripling among adults aged 35 to 65. The study, which followed approximately 44,000 American adults, points to changing demographics among drinkers, including more older adults, women, lower-income individuals, and those with metabolic syndromes, as contributing factors.

Experts emphasize that many people are unaware of what constitutes a standard drink, complicating efforts to monitor alcohol intake. While some European governments are moving toward clearer labeling of alcohol content, concerns remain about rising heavy drinking rates, especially among women, and the potential for a worsening liver disease epidemic.

Alcohol-related liver disease on the rise, new research finds

New research suggests who's drinking heavily matters as much as the number of drinks. One of the most common things, unfortunately, when I see a new patient and we diagnose them with cirrhosis from alcohol and they say, well, I don't drink that much. The study tracked roughly 44,000 American adults over 20 years and found rates of serious liver scarring more than doubled among heavy drinkers and nearly tripled in those aged 35 to 65. Why the increase? Researchers point to the shifting demographics of drinkers, including more older adults, women, lower income individuals and those with metabolic syndromes such as obesity, high blood pressure and blood sugar. Groups known to be at higher risk for liver disease. This should really be a wake-up call, not only for doctors, but really the lay public about understanding what the risk of liver disease is based off of your alcohol consumption. But a lot of people don't even understand what is a drink. Health Canada says a standard drink contains roughly 13 grams of pure alcohol, which is about the same as a bottle of beer, a 5% can of cider, small glass of wine or about a shot. But grams is not a measurement found on labels in Canada. I'll have one serving, that's about it, but I have no idea how many grams they are. I definitely want to know because it's like something, once you know, you can control the way you drink. Some European governments are planning to label grams and serving sizes. In general, a bottle of wine, if you consume a bottle of wine, that has usually about seven standard drinks in it. Half a bottle a day is considered heavy drinking. How I hosted an aesthetic Girls' Day gathering. Heavy drinking among Canadian women has increased over the past two decades. Boozy liquid cotton candy. With endless marketing and sugary drinks, doctors worry the silent epidemic of liver disease. Now we're going to do orange push pop. May get worse. Christine Birak, CBC News, Toronto.

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Washington

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Bangkok

Thailand, Cambodia exchange heavy artillery

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Middle East Conflict

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Ukraine Invasion

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Beijing

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London

Global Tariffs

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Nashville

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Los Angeles

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Istanbul

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Kyiv

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California

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Boise

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Caracas

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Breakdown