Lower genetic correlations were observed for most biomedical and anthropometric outcomes. Liver enzymes GGT and ALT, once proposed as possible biomarkers for alcohol abuse44, showed only nominal evidence for genetic correlation with AD and neither survived multiple testing correction. Notably, we did not find any association between AD and body-mass index (BMI). Negative genetic correlations with BMI were previously reported for both alcohol consumption17 and AUDIT scores18, but there is prior evidence that BMI has differing underlying genetic architecture in the context of AD and outside of that context45. The negative genetic correlations observed in those studies are consistent with studies of light to moderate drinking, which is also associated with healthier lifestyle behaviors, while heavy and problematic drinking is typically associated with weight gain46.
