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Excessive alcohol consumption affects women's health and well-being, says Drinkaware

06 May 2009

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Reacting to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s report Drinking in the UK, an Exploration of Trends, which shows that young men are binge drinking less but women are binge-drinking more, Chris Sorek, Chief Executive of Drinkaware, says:

“This research provides a valuable insight into the varied drinking patterns among different age groups and genders. While it’s encouraging that binge-drinking is decreasing among 16-24 year old men, binge drinking among women is on the increase, affecting their general health and well-being.


“Even in small amounts, alcohol affects women differently to men - studies suggest that women are more prone to liver disease after a comparatively shorter period of heavy drinking. Alcohol can also affect women’s chances of conceiving a child and can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer. Women who drink heavily and often are also putting themselves at risk of short-term health and personal problems, including depression, disturbed sleep and compromised personal safety.


"Women who frequently binge drink need to know how it’s affecting their liver, as alcohol in regular, excessive quantities can be a potentially toxic substance. Giving your liver a break will give it a chance to properly metabolise the alcohol.

“Women can work out how many units and calories they’re drinking by using the Drinkaware drinks calculator ."                                                                       

-Ends-

To interview a Drinkaware spokesperson, please contact:
Emily May
Communications Officer
Email: emay@drinkawaretrust.org.uk
tel: 020 7307 7459
mob: 07827 971 738


Notes to editors:

1. Drinkaware advises men to stick to the recommended guidelines of 3-4 units of alcohol per day (a pint of lager) and women to stick to 2-3 units per day (a 175ml glass of wine).

2. Drinkaware (www.drinkaware.co.uk) provides consumers with information to make informed decisions about the effects of alcohol on their lives and lifestyles. Our public education programmes, grants, expert information, and resources help create awareness and affect positive change. An independent charity established in 2007, Drinkaware works with the medical profession, the alcohol industry, government and independent members to achieve its goals. 

 

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