Bupa is warning people to face up to the
realities of excessive drinking as research reveals that despite having one of
the highest rates of alcohol consumption in the world, the British are the
least likely to want to cut down their intake.
The international Bupa survey studied 13,000
people in 12 countries; found that Brits are 41% more likely to drink alcohol
than the international average. They are also twice as likely to describe
themselves as regular drinkers, with 9% admitting to drinking every day - over
double the international average.
But despite the proven link between excess
alcohol consumption and a range of life-threatening health conditions, 38% who
drink say they do not want to change their behaviour. Internationally, almost 3
in 4 of drinkers have admitted they would like to cut down.
Dr Layla McCay for Bupa says, "Excessive drinking carries several
health risks, including heart disease, stroke, liver disease, many types of
cancer, and even diabetes. Something needs to be done and we need to challenge
the social norms - social lives too often revolve around drinking and it is
important that we work towards coming up with healthier alternatives. It's not
about total abstinence, but it is about drinking responsibly and being aware of
the effects that heavy drinking can have."
Private medical insurance news: 25 November 2011
