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Cirrhosis risk

answered 07:05 AM EST, Fri December 07, 2012
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anonymous anonymous
I never knew you could get chirrhosis from being overweight. I am about 300 pounds and I drink on the weekends with friends. I am 36 and I have been drinking like this since high school. I usually have about 15 or 20 beers a weekend. Should I be worried about chirrhosis?

Jennifer Hamilton Says...

Jennifer Hamilton J. Hamilton
LCSW, CADC

ABSOLUTELY!  It starts with fatty liver, progresses into cirrhosis of the liver and eventually can lead to liver cancer.  You do not say your gender, but for males who consume 4 or more drinks on one occasion, their chances for developing cirrhosis and other health problems increase and for women it is 3 or more drinks.  This does not have to be daily.  You hear that drinking a small amount (one to two drinks as frequently as daily) has health benefits and for most people (those who are not alcoholic or have a strong history in their family) that is true.  However, if you drink just ONE time per year to excess, that wipes out ALL of the health benefits of the small amount of alcohol you were drinking.  The rule is abstain or one to two drinks and NEVER drink to get a buzz or to intoxication if you want to prevent health problems or impairment problems such as falls, wrecks, fights, etc.  A person who is overweight and does not drink is at risk for liver problems.  Family history of liver problems also plays a part.  I hope this helps. 

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Page last updated Dec 07, 2012

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