Joe Rogan recently opened up about his decision to quit alcohol, citing the negative effects it had on his body and overall well-being. Although he enjoyed drinking, he realized that the aftermath was simply too taxing. Rogan questioned the logic of someone who maintains a disciplined, health-conscious lifestyle willingly choosing to poison themselves a few times a week for temporary pleasure. Ultimately, he decided to stop and discovered he could still enjoy life just as much without alcohol.
He is not alone in making this lifestyle change. Several other public figures, including Brad Pitt, Rob Lowe, Valerie Bertinelli, Bradley Cooper, and Elle MacPherson, have also shared their journeys toward sobriety. According to Dr. Brett Osborn, a neurologist and longevity expert, quitting alcohol may be one of the most impactful health decisions a person can make, second only to giving up tobacco. Alcohol, he explains, is a neurotoxin that impairs neurotransmission, promotes inflammation in the brain, and raises the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like dementia.
Beyond its neurological effects, alcohol has a profound impact on physical health. It disrupts glucose metabolism and affects blood sugar regulation, contributing to metabolic dysfunction and the accumulation of visceral fat. This raises the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic conditions. In short, alcohol is a source of empty calories that can lead to weight gain and broader health issues. It is also a known carcinogen, even in small quantities, increasing the risk of cancers such as liver, breast, esophageal, colon, and head and neck cancers.
The benefits of quitting alcohol, Osborn notes, are both immediate and far-reaching. Within days, individuals often experience improved sleep, higher energy levels, reduced inflammation, and better insulin sensitivity. Many people also find themselves more motivated to engage in exercise and adopt other healthy habits. Interestingly, medications like GLP-1 agonists — originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes and now also used for weight loss — have shown promise in reducing alcohol cravings. Patients on these treatments often report a significant reduction in appetite for food and alcohol, with many quitting drinking altogether within six to twelve months.
Dr. Osborn believes that this class of medication could become a cornerstone in a combined strategy aimed at supporting sobriety, reducing fat, and improving metabolic health — all contributing to a reduced risk of preventable, lifestyle-related diseases.
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