Effects of regular and abusive intake of alcohol at weekends on physiological parameters in Spanish young

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of excessive intake at weekends, on different parameters in young university students.

Study design: Cross sectional, descriptive study.

Methods: A group of 180 subjects were selected (young males between 18 and 22 years old) and were classified into three groups by their alcohol consumption habits: The control group of non-drinkers (ND; n = 60), the group of one day/weekend drinkers (1D/W, n = 60) and the group of two day/weekend drinkers (2D/W, n = 60). An evaluation of the body composition, a spirometry test (FVC, PEF and MVV), a maximal cycle ergometer test (Heart rate, blood pressure, VO2 max, total watts and time test until exhaustion), a blood sample (GOT, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and Glucose) were performed.

Results: It was observed that 2D/W group presented significantly higher levels than ND in the following parameters: total cholesterol [185.66 (16.06) compared to 154.28 (25.53) mg/dl]; triglycerides [113.66 (22.47) compared to 45.75 (12.76) mg/dl]; systolic blood pressure [130 (9.50) compared to 115 (5.77) mmHg] and waist to hip ratio [0.92 (0.08) compared to 0.84 (0.05)], and 1D/W group also showed significantly higher levels of triglycerides [71.04 (24.31) compared to 45.75 (12.76) mg/dl] than ND. Moreover, it was confirmed that the accumulation of triglycerides in weekend drinkers is influenced by smoking and the lack of physical activity, and that the relationship between alcohol drinking and systolic blood pressure could be modified by smoking.

Conclusions: Young people's abusive intake of alcohol at weekends can cause negative changes in various health parameters, similar to those observed in alcoholics that drink regularly during the week.