Uncategorized

• The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced an immediate pause on public communications from federal health agencies.
• The pause, ordered by the Trump administration, is expected to be temporary as the new administration aligns with federal agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH.
• While some experts have expressed concern over the pause, the HHS insists that exceptions will be made regarding matters critical to preserving public health.

Federal health agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are essential for keeping the public aware of health issues, from rising respiratory virus cases to bans on harmful food additives.

The Trump administration halted reports from top health agencies like the CDC, FDA, and National Institutes of Health (NIH) on Tuesday, putting communications with the general public in limbo until at least the end of the month. 

According to a memo obtained by the Associated Press, Dorothy Fink, acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), told agency staff leaders that an “immediate pause” had been ordered on various aspects of communications with the general public, including regulations, announcements, press releases, and social media and website posts.

“HHS has issued a pause on mass communications and public appearances that are not directly related to emergencies or critical to preserving health. This is a short pause to allow the new team to set up a process for review and prioritization. There are exceptions for announcements that HHS divisions believe are mission critical, but they will be made on a case by case basis,” a spokesperson for the HHS Office of Public Affairs told Healthline in an email.

According to the AP, the pause will continue until a political appointee approves agency communications. The Washington Post was the first to report on the pause.

A temporary pause in agency communications is not highly unusual when a new president takes office. However, a pause typically occurs during the transition of power between leadership rather than post-inauguration. Here’s what you need to know.

How will the pause affect public health?

The pause in federal health communications pertains to information published in the Federal Register, where the executive branch of the government communicates rules and regulations. 

This includes many important aspects of public health communication, including the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), a weekly publication sharing health information and recommendations.

During President Trump’s first term in office, one of his appointed officials tried to assume control of the MMWR journal, which published information about the COVID-19 pandemic that did not align with White House messaging. 

“Not a day goes by when CDC isn’t tracking a potential threat to our health,” Richard Besser, MD, president and CEO of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and former acting director of the CDC, said in a statement shared with CNN.

“Right now they are letting us know about bird flu in cows, birds, and people. Every time there is an outbreak involving a food, they let us know how to avoid getting sick. They let us know where diseases are occurring around the world that could affect our health here or if we travel. Cutting off communications from CDC puts our health at risk and prevents our doctors, nurses, and public health leaders in our communities from doing their jobs. I urge the administration to quickly lift the pause,” Besser continued.

Monica Gandhi, MD, MPH, professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco, told Healthline that she understands the need for a new administration’s health team to review health communications coming from the main federal health organizations. Still, she hopes the pause is short-lived. 

Gandhi explained that at the NIH, the pause on communications appears to have shut down operations across several domains, “including in grant reviews and in council meetings, where decisions on which grants to fund—based on peer review and scores—are made.”

“This is very serious in that the halting of these important meetings at the NIH has sowed confusion, chaos, and a lot of concern at academic medical centers where faculty rely on the NIH-funded process for their research work. This has also sowed confusion among study participants in NIH-funded trials and community members who support these trials on when funding decisions will be made,” Gandhi noted.

Exceptions affecting critical health, safety

Agencies like the CDC, NIH, and FDA help safeguard the U.S. population against outbreaks, epidemics, and foodborne illnesses, and they research cures for diseases.

Fink wrote in her memo to federal agency staff leaders that exceptions may be made for communications impacting “critical health, safety, environmental, financial or nation security functions,” the AP reports.

For instance, the FDA’s ongoing list of recalls remained current as of Wednesday, and a public notice about a boxed warning for a drug was recently posted.

Still, these exceptions could still be subject to further scrutiny, leaving many health experts and consumer advocates concerned about public safety.

“The worry is that the CDC needs to update numbers on their website (i.e., new H5N1 cases) on a daily basis, so any delay can be a problem,” Gandhi said. “I hope this ban reverses early next week, as the whole process has generated havoc,” Gandhi.

Former CDC outbreak investigator Ali Khan, MD, told the AP that pauses in communication are reasonable during transitions of power in the executive branch.

“The only concern would be is if this is a prelude to going back to a prior approach of silencing the agencies around a political narrative,” he said.

Takeaway

Trump officials have ordered an immediate pause on public communications from federal health agencies like the CDC, FDA, and NIH. The temporary pause is expected to continue until at least the end of January.

Some experts and consumer advocates have expressed concern over the pause, but the HHS said exceptions will be made regarding matters critical to preserving public health. Other experts have said that temporary pauses like this are typical during transitions of power.

• New research suggests that drinking sparkling water might help with weight loss.
• Drinking fizzy water could lead to changes that help cells better utilize blood glucose, a researcher says.
• Experts note carbonated water may also help with satiety, hydration, digestion, and calorie reduction.
• Still, the effects of sparkling water on weight loss are quite small, meaning most people will still need to eat well and exercise often to maintain a healthy weight.
• Good sleep, stress reduction, mindful eating, and tracking progress can help with weight loss, too.

When people are seeking to lose weight, they may give up unhealthy sodas laden with sugar or artificial sweeteners. In doing so, some people may miss the “bite” of carbonation that comes with fizzy drink consumption.

Beverages like sparkling water can fill the void without adding calories or undesirable chemicals.

According to a new article published on January 21 in BMJ Nutrition Prevention & Health, a researcher evaluated how fizzy water could aid your weight loss efforts beyond filling the void left by ditching sodas.

The discussion highlights how drinking carbonated water may induce certain physiological changes conducive to weight loss.

Still, there are no shortcuts to losing weight. Weight loss is best achieved through a nutritious diet and regular physical activity.

Sparkling water may improve blood glucose

Study author Akira Takahashi, MD, PhD, of the Dialysis Center at Tesseikai Neurosurgery Hospital in Shijonawata, Japan, explained in a press release that carbonated water reportedly speeds up digestion and helps decrease blood glucose levels. However, the mechanisms driving these effects were unclear.

To better understand the effects, Takahashi compared the effect on glucose levels with hemodialysis, a treatment where blood is filtered outside the body.

Hemodialysis treatment also alters carbon dioxide levels in the blood. During this process, blood glucose levels fall, which suggests that carbon dioxide helps in the utilization of glucose.

Takahashi theorized that something similar might happen when people drink carbonated water.

Carbon dioxide is released into the bloodstream, where an enzyme in the red blood cells converts it into bicarbonate. This conversion raises the pH within those cells, allowing the body to use glucose more effectively.

Could these improvements in glucose usage lead to weight loss? Takahashi wrote that it likely could, but the effect overall would be quite small.

Sparkling water could aid weight loss in other ways

While this review looked at what is happening at the cellular level, there are other known ways that drinking fizzy water may help you in your weight loss goals.

Gabby Zeagler, clinical dietitian at Nourish, noted that carbonated water can create a feeling of fullness that may help reduce your appetite and allow you to be satisfied with less food at your next meal. Zeagler wasn’t involved in the study.

“If someone is drinking seltzer all day long, this will also increase their hydration level which helps support metabolism and will likely reduce the amount of times someone may mistake a feeling of thirst for hunger and lessen the amount of snacking they might do,” she said.

Carbonated water is also a great substitute for soda, juice, and other sugary, high-calorie beverages, according to Zeagler, which will help you take in fewer calories over the course of the day.

“For some people, carbonated water can help with digestion,” she continued, “and when our stomach is feeling less bloated, we are more likely to follow a healthful eating pattern.”

However, she agreed with the study author, and noted fizzy water is not “a magical drink.”

Balanced diet, regular exercise still best for weight loss

“Drinking fizzy water is just part of the equation for effective weight loss,” explained Josh Kaplan, MD, founder and CEO of Dr. Well by BuildMyHealth.

“It could be used as an alternative to high-calorie drinks, but to achieve real progress, it must be used in conjunction with diet and exercise.”

Kaplan suggested eating a diet rich in lean proteins, fiber, and healthy fats. These will keep you full longer and help you maintain muscle while you are losing fat.

“Strength training and regular aerobic exercise are essential for increasing metabolism and burning calories,” he added.

Stress management and good sleep also play a vital role in your weight loss, according to Kaplan. This helps regulate the hunger hormones, such as cortisol and leptin.

In addition to these measures, Zeagler suggested practicing mindful eating. “Pay attention to hunger cues, eat slowly, and avoid distractions during meals. Put your phone away while eating!” she advised.

She also suggested tracking your progress, whether with a food journal, app, or wearable device.

“This way, you can identify areas for improvement and improve upon them,” said Zeagler. “Remember, you can’t improve what you don’t measure.”

Takeaway

New research suggests drinking carbonated water could contribute to weight loss by creating physiological changes that allow cells to better use glucose.

Additionally, it may aid weight loss by helping you feel more full and keeping you more hydrated. It can also help you cut calories by replacing high calorie beverages. It may also improve your digestion and reduce bloating.

However, experts say the effect of carbonated water on weight loss is small, and fizzy water is not “a magical drink.”

To lose weight, follow the basics, such as eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly. Keeping your stress low and getting good quality sleep can help regulate the hormones that make you hungrier, like cortisol and leptin.

Practicing mindful eating and tracking your progress can help you be more aware of what you are doing so you can improve and solidify your new healthy habits.

Bleeding after menopause is a concern for many women, often leading to…

Content source – www.soundhealthandlastingwealth.com

My Journey to Lipedema Treatment, I have consistently faced challenges regarding my…

Content source – www.soundhealthandlastingwealth.com

Burning Feet Solutions, It can be an uncomfortable and distressing experience, often…

Content source – www.soundhealthandlastingwealth.com

• Researchers report that GLP-1 drugs prescribed for weight loss, like Ozempic and Mounjaro, may improve cognition and lower dementia and cardiovascular disease risk.
• However, they also found that GLP-1 drugs may lead to gastrointestinal, kidney, and pancreas issues.
• The researchers recommend that doctors closely monitor their patients as these medications become more widely prescribed.

GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, commonly prescribed for weight loss, may also benefit cognitive and behavioral health.

However, this popular class of drugs, which also includes Mounjaro and Zepbound, may cause health issues with the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, and pancreas.

That’s the conclusion of a new study published in the journal Nature Medicine, which examined the effects of GLP-1 drugs on 175 different health outcomes.

“Given the drugs’ newness and skyrocketing popularity, it is important to systematically examine their effects on all body systems — leaving no stone unturned — to understand what they do and what they don’t do,” said Ziyad Al-Aly, MD, the study’s senior author and a clinical epidemiologist and nephrologist who treats patients at the Washington University Medicine-affiliated John J. Cochran Veterans Hospital in St. Louis, in a statement.

GLP-1 drugs improve cognition, heart health

In their research, scientists at the Washington Universal School of Medicine in St. Louis and the Veterans Affairs St. Louis Health Care System looked at the health records of 2 million veterans who were treated for diabetes from October 2017 through December 2023.

Some of the veterans took GLP-1 medications, while others were given more traditional drugs sold under brand names such as Jardiance, Glipizide, and Januvia.

The researchers said their goal was to determine the GLP-1 medications’ effects on the body’s organ systems.

The researchers reported there was widespread associations with the GLP-1 drugs and improvements to cognitive and behavioral health.

These benefits included reduced risks of seizures as well as a lower risk to addiction to substances such as alcohol, cannabis, stimulants, and opioids.

Researchers said that people taking the GLP-1 drugs also experienced decreased risks of suicidal ideation, self-harm, bulimia, and psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

The findings also showed a lower risk of neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

“GLP-1RA drugs act on receptors that are expressed in brain areas involved in impulse control, reward and addiction — potentially explaining their effectiveness in curbing appetite and addiction disorders,” Al-Aly explained. “These drugs also reduce inflammation in the brain and result in weight loss; both these factors may improve brain health and explain the reduced risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.”

The study also confirmed past research findings detailing the drugs’ potential to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular concerns.

However, the researchers noted these benefits were a somewhat modest 10% to 20% reduction in most risks.

“This is an interesting analysis that is much needed given what the authors cited as drugs that are ‘skyrocketing in popularity,’” said Kristin Kirkpatrick, a registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine and president of KAK Consulting. Kirkpatrick wasn’t involved in the study.

“It provides a good assessment for individuals considering these drugs on what risks and benefits may occur, which can then prompt the right discussions with their healthcare providers related to potential individual benefits and risks,” she told Healthline.

Possible GI, kidney, and pancreatic risks of GLP-1s

The research also highlighted some potential downsides to the medications, including an increased risk of gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases paralysis of the stomach

In addition, the researchers reported evidence that GLP-1 medications cause increased risks of pancreatitis and kidney conditions.

The researchers urged physicians to be vigilant for signs of pancreatitis and to monitor kidney function among people taking GLP-1 medications. Kidney problems can occur without symptoms until the condition is at an advanced stage with limited treatment options.

“GLP-1RA drugs can have broad health benefits,” Al-Aly stated. “However, they are not without risks. Our findings underscore the possibility for wider applications for these medications but also highlight important risks that should be carefully monitored in people taking these drugs.”

Kirkpatrick said the decision whether to take these medications really depends on the individual.

“I think the benefits vs. risk is really related to the patient. Some patients may find that benefits outweigh risks while others may feel that their personal health history is such that the risks may be too high to consider,” she said.

Sun Kim, MD, an associate professor of medicine at Stanford University in California, said the benefits of taking these weight-loss drugs probably outweigh the risks for most people. Kim wasn’t involved in the research.

“Many of the risks are known (GI disorders), and some potentially could have been prevented (hypotension),” she told Healthline. “It’s important to decrease blood pressure medications while losing weight on GLP-1 meds as weight loss can lower blood pressure, and GLP-1 meds may also have direct effects to lower blood pressure.”

Mir Ali, MD, a bariatric surgeon and medical director of MemorialCare Surgical Weight Loss Center at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, agreed that GLP-1 drugs are an effective treatment for most patients. Ali was likewise not involved in the research.

“I believe the benefits outweigh the risks,” he told Healthline. “Although gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, or constipation are common, they are manageable for the most part. More serious side effects like pancreatitis and kidney complications are very rare.”

What to know about GLP-1 drugs for weight loss

Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound are all classified as GLP-1 drugs.

These medications, which are taken by injection, work by simulating naturally produced hormones that curb appetite and slow digestion. A healthy diet and exercise are usually recommended along with taking the drugs.

All these medications have been proven to be effective in helping people lose weight.

Ozempic and Wegovy contain the active ingredient semaglutide. Ozempic has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes while Wegovy has been approved to treat people with obesity and other weight management issues.

Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the active ingredient trizepatide. Mounjaro is approved to treat type 2 diabetes while Zepbound has been approved for weight management treatment.

These GLP-1 medications have also shown promise in studies in lowering the risk of heart attack, stroke, colon cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Experts say the use of these medications is likely to grow in the future.

“Based on the interest I see in my patients, I agree that popularity will probably only rise, especially If the data remains positive,” said Kirkpatrick.

“I think one thing that could be discussed more is the exit strategy. I say this because so many of my patients have found success with these drugs but now tell me that they are ‘terrified to get off of them.’ Truly, the plan for onboarding should include an effective strategy for weaning off the drug once the goals of the individual are met.”

Kim noted that about 40% of adults in the United States have obesity, so the need for GLP-1 medications is increasing.

“GLP-1 meds represent the first class of medications that offer effective weight-loss options for patients,” she said. “In addition, randomized clinical trials show that the GLP-1 meds are associated with significant benefits including decreasing risk for cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, sleep apnea, and arthritis. The future is bright for GLP-1 drugs.”

Ali agreed. “I think these drugs, which have already been around for some time, will likely find increasing applications, and newer drugs [that] target similar receptors are on the horizon,” he said. 

“There is a shift toward treating obesity as a long-term chronic disease, like hypertension or diabetes.  With that change, these medications will likely be used long term.”

Takeaway

In a new study, researchers looked at the effects of GLP-1 medications across 175 different health outcomes.

They reported this class of drugs, widely prescribed for weight loss, may improve cognition and behavioral function and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and dementia.

However, they found the medications may also cause health issues for the kidneys, pancreas, and gastrointestinal system.

Experts say doctors and patients should consider the benefits versus risks when deciding whether to take these drugs.

Strength Training During Menopause Can Melt Belly Fat, menopause is a significant…

Content source – www.soundhealthandlastingwealth.com

The Incredible Benefits of Scalp Massage, a scalp massage is more than…

Content source – www.soundhealthandlastingwealth.com

• Water containing PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” may be linked to a higher incidence of various forms of cancer.
• Cancers associated with PFAS-contaminated water include oral cavity/pharynx, brain, thyroid, and endocrine.
• PFAS are a class of thousands of chemicals used in manufacturing and consumer goods. They are known for their water — and stain-resistant qualities.

PFAS, more commonly known as “forever chemicals,” in the water supply in the United States is widespread.

Now, scientists have linked that water containing these chemicals could increase the incidence of multiple forms of cancer.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Exposure Science and Environmental Epidemiology, researchers found that PFAS-contaminated water was associated with up to a 33% increase in the incidence of certain cancers, including rare forms.

PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl) substances are a class of thousands of chemicals widely used in manufacturing and consumer goods. Prized for their water and stain-resistant properties, PFAS are found in everything from furniture to fast food packaging.

However, those properties also mean that PFAS persist in the environment and the human body. As they linger in the human body, they have a range of deleterious effects in addition to cancer risk. Those risks include harm to reproductive health, developmental delays in children, and increased risk of obesity.

Shiwen Li, PhD, the first author of the study and a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, told Healthline that their findings should encourage more interest in the link between PFAS-contaminated water and cancer.

“This is really exploratory and an opportunity to screen for these cancer associations. Our study points in a new direction to some of the cancers that are less studied with PFAS, so it’s really important for other researchers to look at them,” said Li.

Prior research has estimated that PFAS may be found in about 45% of US drinking water supplies. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not regulate PFAS, though that will change in 2029 when the agency begins enforcing maximum contaminant levels for six common PFAS in drinking water.

PFAS led to 33% increase in cancer incidence

Li and his team undertook the large task of sifting through county-level water contamination and ecological data for PFAS using the EPA’s Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule Program from 2013 to 2015 and again from 2023 to 2024.

They then compared regions with PFAS levels that exceeded recommendations with cancer data from the National Cancer Institute’s SEER Program from 2016 to 2021. After overlaying these two data sets and controlling for relevant factors like smoking, obesity, and the presence of other pollutants, the researchers found that areas with PFAS contamination experienced higher incidences of different forms of cancer.

Those cancers include digestive, endocrine, oral cavity/pharynx, and respiratory system. The incidence rate varied from 2% up to 33% — with oral cavity/pharynx cancer representing the highest increase. 

Additionally, the cancers associated with PFAS-contaminated water also varied by sex. Males had a higher incidence of the urinary system, brain, soft tissues, and leukemia. Females experienced higher rates of thyroid, oral cavity/pharynx, and soft tissue cancer.

However, these findings should be considered preliminary or exploratory, cautioned Andres Cardenas, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Population Health at Stanford Medicine. Cardenas wasn’t involved in the study.

“It’s an important study, but it is a little bit limited in the sense that it is ecological in nature, meaning that individual patients were not measured for PFAS. Nor were cancer cases captured individually,” he said.

The study does not establish a causal link between PFAS and cancer.

What are PFAS?

Commonly referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their durable nature, PFAS are chemicals used in manufacturing a wide range of industrial products and consumer goods. These include:

• fire extinguishing foam
• food packaging
• furniture and upholstery
• shampoos and cosmetics
• non-stick cookware
• paint and sealants

“The reason they are so good at making things grease and water resistant is that they have a very strong chemical bond, the fluorine carbon bond. They are called ‘forever chemicals’ because of their very long half-life,” said Li.

PFAS can linger in the natural environment for thousands of years and in the human body for three years or more, according to some estimates.

Needless to say, those chemicals building up inside your body aren’t exactly a good thing. PFAS have been linked to a range of health problems, most notably those of the endocrine system. PFAS disrupt the endocrine system, which regulates important bodily functions through the release of hormones.

Through endocrine disruption, PFAS may:

• harm the liver and kidney
• harm reproductive health
• cause tumors and cancer
• increase the risk of obesity
• alter cholesterol levels

How to limit PFAS exposure

Individuals can become exposed to PFAS through the environment, such as drinking water, but also through direct contact with products they use every day.

Due to the widespread use of these chemicals, the best strategies to limit exposure to PFAS aren’t well understood. Here are some steps you can take:

• Look into a local or county-level water report to see if PFAS are monitored where you live.
• Install a water filter to screen for PFAS and other contaminants.
• Limit your exposure to PFAS in food and food packaging by avoiding non-stick products and fast food.

Even with these recommendations in mind, completely limiting PFAS exposure is unlikely. 

“With an exposure that is so prevalent, it’s really difficult to make individual choices every day for you and your family to try to reduce exposure. So this is where we need system level changes and policies to achieve this,” said Cardenas.

Takeaway

PFAS, a class of water-resistant chemicals found in manufacturing and consumer products, contaminate nearly half of U.S. water supplies.

A novel study has now linked PFAS-contaminated water with increased incidence of cancer, including oral cavity/pharynx, brain, and endocrine, up to 33%.

The exploratory study does not establish a causal link between PFAS and cancer but should encourage further research in this area.

It is difficult to avoid PFAS exposure, but individuals may consider installing a water filtration system and avoiding certain products, including fast food packaging and non-stick cookware.

• A new federal report shows that one drink per day could raise the risk of liver damage and several cancers.
• The report follows a recommendation by the U.S. Surgeon General on safe alcohol consumption that highlighted the health risks of moderate drinking.
• Experts generally agree that the less a person drinks, the lower their disease risk and other health issues.
• Safe alcohol consumption may vary from person to person depending on their age, genetic make-up, healthy history, and general lifestyle habits.

A new federal report from a group within the Department of Health and Human Services found that one alcoholic drink per day could raise the risk of negative health effects like liver cirrhosis and several types of cancer.

The findings of the January 14 report, which apply to males and females, come after U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD, issued new guidelines for alcohol consumption.

The surgeon general’s recommendation suggests that even moderate alcohol consumption could raise the risk of at least seven types of cancer. Dr. Murthy added that alcoholic beverages, including beer and wine, should include warning labels about potential cancer risks, a change that will require congressional approval.

These reports have left many people wondering how much alcohol they can consume without developing serious health issues.

Most experts agree that, in general, the less a person drinks, the lower their risk of adverse health outcomes. Still, the amount of alcohol that’s considered safe can vary from person to person depending on their age, health history, genetic makeup, and general lifestyle habits.

Here’s what you need to know about safe alcohol consumption.

Is moderate drinking safe?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that males have no more than two drinks per day and females have no more than one drink per day. This is the current guidance for moderate drinking.

However, some experts are questioning whether this standard is outdated.

Aashish Didwania, MD, a primary care physician and medical educator at Northwestern University in Illinois, told NPR he believes those recommended levels should be changed.

In addition, an August 2024 study reported the risk of cancer is higher in people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol.

In contrast, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine committee issued a report last month showing that moderate drinking could lower the risk of death from heart disease and death from any cause. However, that report also associated moderate drinking with a higher risk of breast cancer.

Kristen Kirkpatrick, registered dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic Department of Wellness & Preventive Medicine and president of KAK Consulting, noted that one drink per day equates to seven drinks per week. That amount of alcohol, she told Healthline, could lead to elevated risks of heart disease, brain shrinkage, and higher blood pressure.

Kirkpatrick noted that regular alcohol consumption may also lead to weight gain, which could increase a person’s risk of obesity, cancer, and heart disease. She also pointed out that the definition of “a drink” may vary.

“Many individuals don’t pour an actual serving size (5 ounces for wine, 12 ounces for beer, 1.5 ounces for spirits), so when we say ‘a drink’ for many individuals, it could be 1.5 or 2 drinks, and the more drinks, the more risk may go up,” she said.

Wael Harb, MD, a hematologist and medical oncologist at MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, said there are risks associated with daily drinking, even in small amounts.

“Even one drink per day can pose health risks, including an increased risk of certain cancers such as breast, esophageal, and colorectal cancer,” Harb told Healthline.

“Alcohol is also associated with a small but measurable impact on liver health and brain function over time. For individuals with underlying health conditions, even moderate alcohol consumption may exacerbate risks, such as higher blood pressure or disrupted sleep patterns. Recent studies suggest that no amount of alcohol consumption is completely risk-free,” he noted.

Cheng-Han Chen, MD, a cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at MemorialCare Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, California, agreed that one drink per day can have adverse health effects.

“Large-scale studies have found that having even just one drink per day is associated with increased risk of developing many different types of cancers, increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and increased overall risk of early death,” he told Healthline.

Keith Humphreys, PhD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral science at Stanford University in California, was also in agreement. He told Healthline that one drink per day raises the risk of certain cancers, especially for females.

Is a few drinks per week OK?

Experts agree that consuming a single alcoholic beverage just two or three times a week is preferable to having a drink every day.

However, minimizing drinking to this level may still come with health risks for some people.

“One or two drinks per week carries a lower risk compared to daily consumption,” said Harb. “However, even this amount can contribute to cumulative harm over time, including a slight increase in cancer risk. This is particularly true for individuals with genetic predispositions or other risk factors.”

Chen advised drinking as little as possible. “We would consider under two drinks per week to be in the lowest risk category, other than no drinking at all,” he said.

Humphreys said a couple of drinks per week likely carries “very little risk.”

Health effects of binge drinking

Binge drinking is defined as the amount of alcohol it takes to raise a person’s blood-alcohol concentration level to 0.08, the legal definition of being intoxicated in most states.

The amount of alcohol it takes to reach that level depends on the person, what is being consumed, and how quickly.

You can usually hit that level by drinking 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of hard liquor such as whiskey, vodka, rum, or gin.

For adult males, an episode of binge drinking is considered five drinks in less than two hours. For women, it’s four drinks within that same time period.

Binge drinking can lead to short-term effects such as alcohol poisoning, depression, unsafe driving, and anxiousness. It can also lead to long-term health effects, such as liver disease if done on a regular basis.

A September 2024 study reported that excessive alcohol use was linked to a higher risk of six types of cancer.

With all this in mind, experts say it’s unwise for a person to consume their three or four allotted weekly drinks in one setting.

Kirkpatrick said there are numerous dangers associated with excessive drinking.

“Multiple drinks at one time may be more harmful according to several studies,” she said. “One study found that even moderate drinkers who engaged in binge drinking were more likely to develop alcohol problems. Having more than five drinks in one sitting may also increase the risk of increased mortality.”

“In general, it is better to have one drink per day rather than having several drinks at once during the week, as this minimizes the harmful effects of binge drinking,” added Chen.

“Consuming several drinks at one time (binge drinking) is associated with immediate risks, such as alcohol poisoning, accidents, or injuries, as well as long-term effects on heart and brain health,” said Harb. “Ideally, alcohol consumption should be minimized altogether, or at least limited to infrequent, moderate occasions.”

Humphreys said there are other issues to consider, too.

“Because there are risks unique to being intoxicated (e.g., increased risks of accidents) a lower amount of alcohol on each day of drinking is likely lower risk,” he said.

How much alcohol should you drink?

With all this information and opinion, it might seem tricky to calculate how much alcohol is safe to drink.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism states that some people shouldn’t drink at all, including people who are pregnant, take certain medications, or have medical conditions such as liver disease, diabetes, and abnormal heart rhythms.

Despite the known risks, there have been studies that suggest moderate alcohol consumption, in particular red wine, may have health benefits.

A December 2024 study reported that low to moderate amounts of wine coupled with a Mediterranean diet may lower cardiovascular disease risk.

Similarly, the aforementioned National Academies report concluded that people who drink moderately had lower risks of certain cardiovascular health issues than people who don’t drink at all.

Experts have pointed out that people who drink moderately may have better lifestyle habits, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, which could factor into their overall health status. In addition, people who don’t drink at all may have had prior difficulties with alcohol misuse that impacted their long-term health.

Regardless, as a general rule of thumb for alcohol intake, less is generally better. “I would advise people to drink as little as possible and preferably not at all,” said Chen.

“Drinking less, even if you consider yourself a ‘light’ or ‘moderate’ drinker, is most likely one of the best things you can do to enhance health,” added Kirkpatrick.

Humphreys noted that alcohol is, in essence, a drug, and people should take that into consideration when deciding how much to drink.

“Take alcohol seriously as a drug with risks. Look honestly at how it is affecting your life and ask for help if you need it to cut down or quit,” he said.

Harb recommended prioritizing other healthy lifestyle habits. “It’s important to focus on a lifestyle that includes healthy nutrition, regular physical activity, and stress management, which are all beneficial to overall well-being without the risks associated with alcohol,” he said.

Takeaway

A new federal report shows that one drink per day is associated with negative health effects, while a recent report from the U.S. Surgeon General highlighted cancer risks associated with moderate alcohol consumption. These findings have left many people wondering whether it’s safe to drink at all.

The CDC recommends that males have no more than two drinks of alcohol per day, while females should have one drink or less. Some experts say these guidelines should be modified in light of new evidence, and most experts agree that binge drinking is problematic for health.

The less alcohol a person drinks, the better off they are. Limiting alcohol consumption to just a few drinks per week or avoiding it entirely seems to be the safest recommendation.