WINE O'CLOCK WAKE-UP CALL: WOMEN NOW ONE IN THREE LIVER DISEASE CASES IN NEW REPORT
A new Australian report has found that serious alcohol-related liver disease is striking younger people, and women now make up one in three cases.
The research, carried out by the Burnet Institute and commissioned by the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE), was released on November 12.
It looked at hospital admissions for alcohol-associated hepatitis in Victoria between 2017 and mid-2024, a severe inflammation of the liver caused by drinking.
What the liver disease report found
According to The Daily Aus, the team analysed 4,111 hospital admissions.
FARE says around 40 per cent of people hospitalised with alcohol-associated hepatitis were younger than 46, and 14 per cent of patients were under 35.
Admissions jumped during the COVID pandemic and have not fallen back to pre-pandemic levels.
The report also found that almost half of patients with no liver scarring at their first scan went on to develop it within six years.
Why women are being hit harder
Speaking to the ABC, lead author Professor Jessica Howell said women with the condition tended to be younger, frailer and more likely to need intensive care than men.
She explained that women generally have smaller bodies and less muscle mass, which means it takes less alcohol to cause damage.
Professor Howell also suggested that the extra caring and household load many women carried during the pandemic may have played a part.
She noted that few alcohol services are designed around women's specific needs, and said services built for women may help more of them seek support.
FARE chief executive Ayla Chorley pointed to alcohol marketing aimed at women, pointing to wine nights promoted to mums as one example.
University of Sydney liver researcher Professor Jacob George, who was not involved in the study, described the findings about women as very concerning.
The good news about your liver
Here is the hopeful part.
"We know that the liver can regenerate very well," Professor Howell told the ABC.
FARE also stresses that catching liver disease early matters, because cutting out alcohol can reverse the effects if it is caught in time.
It is never too late to cut back, and reducing how much you drink can bring health benefits at any stage of life.
Know the guidelines
Australia's alcohol guidelines recommend healthy adults drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four on any one day.
It is worth remembering that a generous home pour of wine can easily be more than one standard drink.
With the festive season just around the corner, it is a good moment to check in with your own habits.
Easy ways to cut back this silly season
Small changes really do add up.
Try swapping every second drink for a glass of water.
Always eat when you drink, rather than sipping on an empty stomach.
Set yourself a few alcohol-free days each week, and stick to them.
Pour smaller glasses at home, and avoid topping up before your glass is empty.
Explore the growing range of alcohol-free wines, beers and spirits, or make a fun mocktail for the Christmas table.
Plan ahead for celebrations by deciding how many drinks you will have before you arrive.
And let a friend know what you are doing, because it is much easier with someone in your corner.
Where to get support
If you are worried about your drinking, your GP is a great place to start, as early help can reduce harm.
You can also call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 for free and confidential advice.
If you need to talk to someone right now, Lifeline is available any time on 13 11 14.
Reaching out is a sign of strength, and there is no judgement in asking for help.
