People drink more alcohol in cold climates

A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh confirmed what we all suspected: people living in cold, dark climates consume more alcohol.

A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh revealed that people drink more alcohol in cold climates

As reported by the Pittsburgh Post-GazetteThe study found that climate and consumption patterns are inversely related, which means that the hotter the climate, the less people drink.

The study, published in the journal hepatology, examined mean temperatures and annual sunshine hours with per capita alcohol consumption in 193 countries.

It turns out that the level of excessive consumption of alcohol and the total number of drinkers have increased in countries where temperatures are lower and hours of sunlight shorter.

It also revealed patterns of consumption / climate inversely correlated with the northern latitudes closest to the Arctic Circle, particularly in Russia, parts of Europe, Canada and Alaska. Africa has shown the most obvious opposite pattern, that of less alcohol consumption in a hot, sunny climate.

"Everyone has assumed but no one has demonstrated it," said Dr. Ramon Bataller, one of the authors of the study, at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

"The results show that to prevent alcohol abuse, resources need to be more focused on cold spots. People with a genetic predisposition to alcoholism should perhaps avoid living in a very cold place, because they will probably drink more, "he added.

The study took into account countries where people do not drink for religious reasons.

In warmer climates, alcohol increases the risk of dehydration, but as alcohol increases blood flow to the skin, drinking can give a person a pleasant feeling of warmth in cold weather.