More than one in 20 deaths in the world is due to alcohol

WHO is investigating the effects of alcohol

The consumption of alcohol brings with it a number of health hazards and is therefore to be enjoyed with extreme caution. Alcohol is the cause of more than one in 20 deaths around the world, affecting more than three quarters of men.

Researchers at the World Health Organization (WHO) found in their study that consuming alcohol causes more than one in 20 deaths. The experts published the results of their investigation in a recent report.

The consumption of alcohol can lead to health problems and even cause the death of the person affected. (Image: Aliaksandr Marko / fotolia.com)

Three million deaths from alcohol every year

In total, three million people die each year from the effects of harmful alcohol consumption. This corresponds to 5.3 percent of all deaths, say the scientists. In 2016, this affected about 2.3 million men. Many of these alcohol-related deaths result from traffic accidents, violent altercations, digestive diseases, cardiovascular disease, infections, mental disorders, cancer and other health conditions.

People between the ages of 20 and 39 are particularly affected

Overall, alcohol consumption accounts for 5.1 percent of total injuries and illnesses around the world. The results of the report, which is published every four years, underscore the continuing challenge that alcohol poses to society, the researchers explain. The WHO described the number of deaths as unacceptably high, especially in Europe and America. Young people between the ages of 20 and 39 are disproportionately affected. In this age group, 13.5 percent of all deaths are attributable to the consumption of alcohol.

It's time to stop drinking alcohol

Far too many people, their families and communities are suffering the consequences of harmful alcohol use through violence, injuries, mental health problems and diseases such as cancer and stroke, says the Director-General of WHO. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. It is urgent time to act to combat this serious threat.

Europe has the highest alcohol consumption rates in the world

The results of the report show that 2.3 billion people around the world drink alcohol. In Europe, alcohol consumption rates are the highest in the world. On the plus side, per capita consumption in Europe has fallen by more than ten percent since 2010, experts say. Despite the higher rates of consumption in Europe, Africa has the heaviest burden of disease and injury caused by alcohol.

How much alcohol is drunk on average daily?

The average daily intake of people in the world who drink alcohol is 33 grams of pure alcohol per day, equivalent to about two glasses (150 ml each) of wine, a large (750 ml) bottle of beer or two small glasses (40 ml) of schnapps corresponds to.

What measures can be taken??

The report shows that alcohol abuse disorders are more prevalent in high-income countries, but also notes that socioeconomic status is an important vulnerability factor. The WHO calls for measures such as increasing taxes and providing more support services to combat the effects of alcohol, especially in less developed economies. All countries can do much more to reduce the health and social costs of harmful alcohol use, says dr. Vladimir Poznyak from the World Health Organization. Proven, cost-effective measures include increasing taxes on alcoholic beverages, prohibiting or restricting the advertising of alcohol and limiting the physical availability of alcohol. (As)