89. People in better shape tend to drink more alcohol
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Active, physically fit men and women are more than twice as likely to be moderate or heavy drinkers compared to people who are out of shape, according to a recent study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. Researchers studied over 40,000 adults participating in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study, evaluating cardiovascular health and its effect on many medical conditions and behaviors. All participants completed treadmill tests so researchers could assess their aerobic fitness. The fittest men and women were twice as likely to be moderate drinkers, defined as having up to seven drinks per week for women and up to 14 for men. Fit individuals were also more likely to be heavy drinkers than those who were less physically fit.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
