viral post, with more than 3,600 likes, falsely claimed that a Harvard University study found moderate alcohol consumption aids weight loss. In fact, the study was conducted by a Japanese research team and had no link to weight loss.
The research tracked about 57,000 Japanese adults and examined how drinking habits affected blood cholesterol. Results showed increased HDL (‘good cholesterol’) and decreased LDL (‘bad cholesterol’), but no findings on weight reduction.
There is no scientific evidence that higher HDL levels directly cause weight loss. In reality, weight reduction tends to raise HDL levels, rather than the reverse.
Haejung Lee, professor of food and nutrition at Gachon University, highlighted alcohol’s calorie load. "Each gram of alcohol contains about 7 kilocalories," she explained. "When combined with snacks, it is more likely to be stored as body fat." She added that because alcohol is metabolized as a toxin, the body prioritizes breaking it down first, delaying the metabolism of other nutrients.
To curb health misinformation, the institute urged adherence to its ‘Health Information Content Guidelines.’ For content creators, the rules emphasize clear language, evidence-based claims, accurate citations, and disclosure of commercial ties. For consumers, the guidelines recommend verifying the source, purpose, and date of information, cross-checking with other references, and maintaining a critical perspective.
Dr. Heonjoo Kim, director of the institute, warned that alcohol-weight loss claims are misleading and could encourage excessive drinking. "We will continue to counter false health information and work toward a more trustworthy information environment for the public," he stated.”
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr