Relationship between alcohol consumption and metabolic syndrome in Japanese men with overweight or obesity

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of alcohol intake with metabolic syndrome in obese people.

Japanese men (35-65 years, n = 7250) who showed high body mass index (25 kg/m(2) or over) were divided into four groups by alcohol intake [non-, light (<22 g ethanol/day), heavy (≥22 and <44 g ethanol/day) and very heavy (≥ 44 g ethanol/day) drinkers]. Odds ratios for metabolic syndrome were calculated after adjustment for age and history of smoking.

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in very heavy drinkers than in nondrinkers and was significantly lower in light drinkers than in heavy and very heavy drinkers. The odds ratio vs. nondrinkers for metabolic syndrome was significantly low in light drinkers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-0.98, p < 0.05), was not significant in heavy drinkers (OR = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.90-1.13), and was significantly high in very heavy drinkers (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.08-1.40, p < 0.01).

In Japanese men with overweight or obesity, there are significant inverse and positive associations of light and excessive alcohol consumption, respectively, with metabolic syndrome.