Beer Drinkers Have Less Healthy Lifestyles Than Wine Drinkers, Study Finds
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases has released a study that reveals beer drinkers have less healthy lifestyles than wine drinkers.
Research Findings
The study surveyed 1,900 U.S. adults on their alcohol consumption and assessed the diet quality among those who consume only beer (38.9%), wine (21.8%), liquor (18.2%), or a combination of alcohol types (21%).
Diet Quality
The Healthy Eating Index, a tool based on dietary guidelines, found none of the alcohol-consumption groups came close to hitting the recommended 80-point score that is considered a well-balanced diet. Beer drinkers scored the lowest at 49, while wine drinkers hit 55 and both liquor-only drinkers and combination drinkers scored approximately 53.
Context of Food and Alcohol Consumption
Lead author Madeline Novack, chief resident at Tulane School of Medicine’s internal medicine residency program, suggests that the context in which food and alcohol are consumed together may be a contributing factor to these dietary differences.
For instance, beer is often chosen as a beverage in settings where foods are processed and high in carbohydrates, whereas wine is oftentimes accompanied with meat and vegetables.
Characteristics of Beer-Only Drinkers
The study found that beer-only drinkers were typically younger and were more likely to be male, younger, smokers, and low-income. They also reported the highest total daily caloric intake with the lowest level of physical activity.
Implications for Healthcare
To help prevent liver disease and other related health diseases, Novack suggests that physicians should inquire about the type of alcohol their patients consume. Using the study’s findings, doctors can offer tailored advice to beer-only drinkers, encouraging them to increase certain nutritional aspects of their diets and physical activity.
Conclusion
The study highlights the importance of considering the type of alcohol consumed when assessing a person’s overall health and lifestyle. By taking into account the context of food and alcohol consumption, healthcare providers can offer personalized advice to help patients make healthier choices.
FAQs
Q: What was the main finding of the study?
A: The study found that beer drinkers have less healthy lifestyles than wine drinkers, with beer-only drinkers having lower-quality diets, being less active, and more likely to smoke cigarettes.
Q: What was the Healthy Eating Index score for beer drinkers?
A: The Healthy Eating Index score for beer drinkers was 49, which is significantly lower than the recommended 80-point score for a well-balanced diet.
Q: Why do you think beer drinkers have less healthy lifestyles?
A: Lead author Madeline Novack suggests that the context in which food and alcohol are consumed together may be a contributing factor, with beer often being consumed in settings where foods are processed and high in carbohydrates.
Q: What can healthcare providers do to help patients make healthier choices?
A: Healthcare providers can inquire about the type of alcohol their patients consume and offer tailored advice to beer-only drinkers, encouraging them to increase certain nutritional aspects of their diets and physical activity.
