Drinking heavily increases threat of arthritis, study suggests

Published: 19:36 EDT, 3 October 2026 | Updated: 19:55 EDT, 3 October 2026 Just one pint of beer a day increases the risk of joint disease osteoarthritis, a study suggests.Researchers found that heavy drinkers had an 18.6 per cent higher risk of osteoarthritis compared to non-drinkers.And the risk was found to increase with each additional drink, even after accounting for body weight and liver function.More than 1.2 million adults aged 40 and over, who didn't have the joint condition when the study began, were followed for an average of 9.9 years. They answered a questionnaire detailing how much they typically drank alcohol and how often.Researchers in South Korea then estimated their average daily intake based on weekly drinking frequency and the amount consumed each time.Light drinkers consumed the equivalent of less than half a pint of average-strength beer a day.Among men, moderate drinkers were those who consumed the equivalent of 0.6 to 1.7 pints a day, while female moderate drinkers consumed up to one pint. Just one pint of beer a day increases the risk of joint disease osteoarthritis, a study suggestsThose classed as 'heavy drinkers' consumed the equivalent of 1.7 pints or more per day for men and one pint or more per day for women.Compared with non-drinkers, light drinkers had a 3.7 per cent higher risk of osteoarthritis and moderate drinkers had an 8.1 per cent higher risk, rising to 18.6 per cent among the heavy drinkers.Osteoarthritis is the most common type of joint disease, and is caused by the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wearing down over time.More than 9 million people in the UK are affected by osteoarthritis and getting older is the biggest risk factor.Alcohol consumption is directly linked to more than 200 diseases, injuries and health conditions, with health risks rising steadily the more you drink.The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, equating to around six pints of average-strength beer, for both men and women.The study's authors said: 'These findings identify alcohol consumption as a factor associated with osteoarthritis, warranting further investigation.'