According to a recent study, even low-level drinking can increase the risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Conducted by the Behavioural Insights Team on behalf of Alcohol Change UK, the research looked at the drinking habits of over 4,000 UK adults.
The study found that individuals who drank within NHS guidelines had worse health outcomes compared to non-drinkers.
For those who never consumed alcohol, the rates of cardiovascular disease increased from 1% to 5%, and for cancer, it went from 1% to 4%.
Additionally, «low-risk» drinkers reported lower sleep quality, decreased daily functioning, and poorer dental health compared to non-drinkers.
With over 30 million people in the UK drinking at these levels, advocates are urging individuals to reconsider their drinking habits.
Dr. Richard Piper, the chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, stated, «For decades, we’ve fallen prey to a binary but false idea that ‘drinking problems’ only affect a minority of people with alcohol dependence.
«But as this research makes clear, alcohol is taking a toll on our health and wellbeing right across the drinking spectrum, even at ‘low-risk’ levels.»
The NHS advises against consuming more than six pints of medium-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine per week, but researchers caution that the manner in which some individuals consume these volumes of alcohol can be detrimental to their health.
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Should alcohol have more health risk labelling?
Professor David Nutt, a former government chief drugs adviser, noted that some individuals consider 14 units a week as a target, while others engage in binge drinking.
«There are people who think, ‘I’ve got 14 units, I can have seven drinks on a Friday, seven on a Saturday, that’s okay’.
«We know that drinking the maximum allowance in one or two goes is very dangerous. This is where the data gets complex, as some of the negative effects are definitely heightened by binge drinking within that low-risk weekly threshold.»
Nathan Eades, 37, who owns two upscale pubs in Cheltenham, used to consume large amounts of alcohol regularly but has recently altered his drinking habits. «Reducing my alcohol intake from five or six pints at the end of a shift to maybe one or two vodka sodas a week has been beneficial for both my business and personal well-being,» he stated.
«Once you’ve had one too many, how does your family react? How do your colleagues respond to you? How do they cope with your mood swings, lack of focus, and irrationality? That’s the aspect we all need to be more mindful of,» he added.
Alcohol Change UK is urging the government to implement health risk labels on alcohol and impose restrictions on marketing to provide consumers with more information about what they’re drinking and reduce the encouragement to purchase drinks regularly.
However, some drinkers in central London expressed skepticism about the impact of labeling. One individual mentioned that sometimes it’s nice to have a drink without worrying about it and that excessive warnings can be harmful. Another person noted that people are often set in their habits and that a label stating the negative effects of drinking may not change behavior. A third individual described drinking alcohol as a calculated risk for most individuals. «People are not going into pubs to have a pint for their health, they are going in to have fun and socialize with friends,» they said.
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A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: «We recognize the need for urgent action to reverse the unacceptable levels of alcohol harm and deaths.
«As part of our Plan for Change, we are shifting our focus from sickness to prevention, prioritizing early intervention and health measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives across the UK.»
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Low-level drinking can increase your chances of cancer and cardiovascular disease, according to a new study.
Research conducted by the Behavioural Insights Team, on behalf of the charity Alcohol Change UK, examined the drinking habits of more than 4,000 UK adults.
It found that people who consumed alcohol within the NHS guidelines had worse health than non-drinkers.
Compared to people who never consumed alcohol, rates of cardiovascular disease increased from 1% to 5%, and for cancer, it went from 1% to 4%.
The study also found «low-risk» drinkers reported reduced sleep quality, worse daily functioning, and poorer dental health, compared to those who never consume alcohol.
With more than 30 million people in the UK drinking at these levels, campaigners are calling for people to rethink their habits.
Alcohol Change UK chief executive Dr Richard Piper says alcohol is taking ‘a toll on health and wellbeing right across the drinking spectrum’
Dr Richard Piper, chief executive of Alcohol Change UK, said: «For decades, we’ve fallen prey to a binary but false idea that ‘drinking problems’ only affect a minority of people with alcohol dependence.
«But as this research makes clear, alcohol is taking a toll on our health and wellbeing right across the drinking spectrum, even at ‘low-risk’ levels.»
The NHS recommends that people should not consume more than six pints of medium-strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine a week, but scientists warn that it is the way some people consume those volumes of alcohol which can be problematic for their health.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Should alcohol have more health risk labelling?
Professor David Nutt, a former government chief drugs adviser, said some view 14 units a week as a target and others binge drink.
«There are people who think, ‘I’ve got 14 units, I can have seven drinks on a Friday, seven on a Saturday, that’s okay’.
«We know that drinking the maximum allowance in one or two goes is very dangerous. The data becomes complex when considering the impact of binge drinking within low-risk weekly levels, as some harms are undoubtedly exacerbated by this behavior. Nathan Eades, a 37-year-old pub owner from Cheltenham, used to consume large quantities of alcohol regularly but has since changed his habits. He now drinks significantly less, opting for one or two vodka sodas a week instead of multiple pints after his shifts. This shift has not only benefited him personally but has also had a positive impact on his business.
Eades highlights the importance of moderation in alcohol consumption, pointing out how excessive drinking can affect relationships with family and coworkers due to mood swings, brain fog, and irrational behavior. Alcohol Change UK is advocating for health risk labeling on alcohol products and marketing restrictions to provide consumers with more information about what they are consuming and reduce the promotion of alcohol consumption.
Despite these efforts, some drinkers in central London express skepticism about the effectiveness of labeling on behavior change. One individual mentions the pleasure of enjoying a drink without constant worry, while another acknowledges the challenge of breaking ingrained habits even with warning labels. A third person views drinking as a calculated risk taken for enjoyment rather than health benefits.
The Department of Health and Social Care acknowledges the need for urgent action to address alcohol-related harm and deaths. They emphasize a shift towards prevention and early intervention to promote healthier lifestyles and reduce alcohol-related health issues across the UK.
In conclusion, the discussion around alcohol consumption and its associated risks is multifaceted, with considerations for individual behavior, societal norms, and public health policies. By raising awareness, promoting moderation, and providing accurate information, stakeholders aim to mitigate the negative impacts of excessive alcohol consumption on individuals and communities.
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