Brits a third more likely to drink to excess

Tuesday, 22 November 2011 10:20 AM

Are you worried about your alcohol consumption? It might be worth taking a fresh look at your drinking habits, as new research from Bupa found that Brits are over a third (41%) more likely to drink alcohol than the international average.

Chief Executive of Drinkaware, Chris Sorek, said: "There is always an excuse to drink but there are plenty of reasons to cut down too. It can be easy to drink more than you intended, by not being aware of the units in your favourite drink or pouring large measures at home."

He points out that not only can drinking leave you tired and stressed, it also raises risk factors for more serious diseases.

"Regularly drinking over the daily guidelines can lead to more serious health harms including alcohol-related liver disease, which has no warning signs. Alcohol is also the second biggest risk factor for cancer after smoking - responsible for cancer of the breast, liver, bowel and mouth."

Bupa has a free alcohol calculator available on its website, which can help you be realistic about your consumption and cut down gradually.

Excess alcohol consumption has been linked to increased risk of breast, liver, bowel and mouth cancer, as well as liver disease.

Yet The International Bupa Health Pulse survey which studied over 13,000 people in 12 countries, found that Brits are over a third (41%) more likely to drink alcohol than the international average. They are also twice as likely to describe themselves as 'regular drinkers', with almost 1 in 10 (9%) admitting to drinking 'every day' - over double the international average.

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If you’re planning to get pregnant you’ll no doubt be planning to improve your lifestyle once you conceive. Late nights out and partying with the girls will be replaced by healthy diets and early nights. But did you know, if you’re trying to conceive, you should actually be making changes to your lifestyle already?