Study finds rising rates of alcohol-related liver disease among young Canadian women

Data suggests young women are binge drinking more than ever.

A Canadian study is raising alarms about a sharp rise in alcohol-related liver disease among young women.

The research, published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) and led by Dr. Jennifer Flemming at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont., analyzed two decades of hospital data.

It found that rates of severe liver injuries linked to alcohol began climbing around 2012, particularly among women between the ages of 18 and 40.

“About 10 years ago, myself and my colleagues started noticing that more young women were coming in with very severe liver injuries related to alcohol,” said Flemming. “Over time, we confirmed it, the rates are going up, and they’re going up faster in women than men.”

Flemming says the trend is especially concerning because women are more biologically vulnerable to liver damage at lower levels of alcohol consumption.

“Women metabolize alcohol differently, and that puts them at higher risk,” she said. “If a man and woman drink the same amount, women are typically more likely to develop liver-related disease.”

The study points to multiple factors fueling the rise, including increased accessibility, targeted marketing campaigns and social pressures.

Lee-Anne Milne, founder of Halifax-based group Sober City, says the shift is clear in her community.

“For the binge drinking part, it was mostly women that I saw,” Milne said. “Fund and socialization play a big role, girls’ night out, influencer marketing even messages around empowerment are making alcohol look more appealing.”

At the same time, Milne believes attitudes may be changing. She points to a growing interest in non-alcoholic alternatives and younger generations who are more open about mental health.

“I am optimistic,” she said. “I see a trend towards less alcohol use, especially with Gen Z, who are more focused on mental health.”

Flemming stresses that while liver damage can be devastating, recovery is possible with treatment, lifestyle changes and support.