Just half a glass of wine or one small bottle of beer a day can lead to obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure, warns new research.
The risk of metabolic syndrome - a combination of the three life-threatening conditions - rises in tandem with alcohol consumption.
A study of almost 27 million adults adds to growing evidence there is no safe level of drinking. It may lead to a rethink on official advice.
Lead author Dr Hye Jung Shin, of the National Medical Centre in Seoul, South Korea, said: "Even light alcohol intake is linked to metabolic syndrome." It can cause high blood sugar and cholesterol - increasing the chance of a heart attack and stroke.
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