#United States #Health Risks #Dietary Guidelines #Alcohol Policy Alliance #West Lake Hills

US Alcohol Policy Alliance Advocates for Reduced Alcohol Guidelines

In a compelling announcement today, the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance (USAPA) has reiterated the necessity for revised alcohol consumption guidelines in the upcoming 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGAs). As preparations are underway for this significant revision, USAPA has released a new report emphasizing the risks associated with current alcohol consumption recommendations, which they argue pose considerable health threats to the American public.

Tiffany Hall, Chair of the USAPA Board, voiced a poignant concern: "When we last updated the DGAs five years ago, scientific calls to lower recommended alcohol intake levels were largely overlooked. This new report showcases a concentrated effort by the alcohol industry, which has made billions by encouraging Americans to drink excessively, often at the expense of their health."

The lobbying efforts of the alcohol industry have been substantial, with over $45 million invested to maintain the status quo in the DGA recommendations. This investment equates to more than 300 lobbyists protecting the industry's interests. Recently, USAPA has taken a proactive stance by engaging its first alcohol policy lobbyist, a rare move aimed at alleviating alcohol-related harms and fostering a healthier population while reducing impacts on the U.S. healthcare system.

The DGAs, which are revised every five years by the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture, currently recommend limitations of two alcoholic drinks per day for men and one for women. However, according to the latest findings from the Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking (ICCPUD), weekly consumption exceeding six to nine drinks can significantly elevate the risk of alcohol-related mortality and cancers for both genders. Notably, even low levels of alcohol intake correlate with increased cancer risks, which tend to be more pronounced in women.

Hall emphasized the gravity of the findings: "Scientific research reveals notable health dangers associated with alcohol consumption as currently suggested in the DGAs; particularly alarming data showcases the increased risks for men. The ICCPUD's report underlines the urgent need to decrease alcohol-related harms through comprehensive public education regarding the consumption risks. In conjunction with the Surgeon General's recent advisory on alcohol and cancer connection, the evidence can no longer be dismissed."

Key Findings from the Report:

• - Impact on Life Expectancy: The likelihood of premature death escalates markedly with increased alcohol consumption. For example, the risk rises from 1 in 1,000 for individuals consuming approximately three drinks weekly to 1 in 100 at roughly nine drinks weekly.
• - Cancer Correlation: Merely consuming three drinks per week correlates with increased cancer risk; men reported 6.6 cases per 1,000 cancer diagnoses resulting from alcohol, while women faced a slightly higher rate of 7.9 at the same consumption level.
• - Gender Disparity in Alcohol-Related Cancers: Women are notably more susceptible to alcohol-induced cancers than men. For instance, with a weekly intake of seven drinks, alcohol correlates with 8.2 cases per 1,000 diagnoses for men, contrasted with 19.5 for women. This disparity becomes pronounced when the consumption level rises to 21 drinks per week, producing rates of 22.6 and 66.9 for men and women respectively.

In light of the report's findings, USAPA is encouraging citizens to engage with their congressional representatives to advocate for the insights presented by the ICCPUD. Furthermore, the public is invited to voice their opinions on these findings to assist in the review process of the Dietary Guidelines.

About the U.S. Alcohol Policy Alliance:
Founded in 2014, the US Alcohol Policy Alliance represents the national voice on alcohol policy, committed to altering the narrative surrounding alcohol consumption and establishing a robust policy agenda at all levels. This nonprofit, nonpartisan organization aims to free the nation from alcohol-related illnesses and fatalities by integrating research on alcohol policy into effective public health practices. For more information, visit www.alcoholpolicy.org or connect on their social media platforms.