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"As with e-cigarettes and reformulated foods, we should not take market-led solutions to public health problems at face value," wrote a group of prominent alcohol harm researchers about no-lo drinks in the BMJ this week. There is currently no clear evidence for no-lo drinks taking the place of … [Read more...] about Experts call for more no-lo scrutiny + AR comment

Alcohol products were as affordable or became more affordable in most countries over the last few years, when evidence shows that reducing affordability is a crucial step to curbing alcohol harm, found a WHO report released yesterday. Beer was at least as affordable in 69% of the countries where … [Read more...] about Scant progress on global alcohol harm driver

Alcohol deaths surged in the US in the wake of the covid pandemic, peaking in 2021 to almost 40% above the pre-pandemic level (see table). The alcohol death toll in 2024 was still 20% above that seen in 2019, according to the latest provisional CDC data for deaths directly attributable to alcohol. … [Read more...] about US post-covid alcohol death increase continues

The Trump administration this week advised Americans to "consume less alcohol for better overall health", dropping specific low-risk amounts from its guidance after 35 years. Alcohol harm experts had recommended the low-risk amount should be halved for men. Alcohol harm experts say the official … [Read more...] about Trump administration drops clear alcohol guidance

Looking to the bottom of alcohol-free drink bottles can only take us so far in any bid to curtail our alcohol consumption. Even alcohol’s bogus answers to life’s problems are not to be found there. It is true alcohol-free drinks can be tastier and healthier alternatives to sickly soft drinks. … [Read more...] about Opinion: Cutting down? Put alternative activities above alternative drinks

The UK's New Year’s Honours list today recognised six people working to reduce the impact of alcohol harm, a former frontbench Labour MP, a family judge and four public health directors.  Jonathan Ashworth, a former shadow health secretary, receives a CBE in part for advocating on behalf of … [Read more...] about Alcohol harm reducers honoured