Ra 4 Food - Health and Nutritional Tips

OK ladies, so we have not exactly created a very nice image of ourselves as drinkers over the past decade – from the wholly un-ladylike “ladette” culture to the quintessential vodka gargling Bridget Jones singletons – lets face it, British women have a shameful reputation. However, the tables could be about to turn, as new research suggests that women are actually cutting back.

YouGov have taken a poll to reveal that 73 per cent of women aged 25 to 34 are consuming under 14 units per week, while 75 per cent of 18 to 24-year olds and 79 per cent of 35 to 44-year olds are admitting the same.

Unsurprisingly, it seems vanity rather than health has fuelled this sudden change of heart, with 74 per cent claiming they were “constantly aware” of how they looked and acted on nights out. In addition, Government campaigns are appealing to the female’s sense of vanity by highlighting the detrimental effects alcohol can have on your looks as well as the high calorie content. Martini has also launched a new drink, “Stay Beautiful” which has a low alcohol content and features Thandie Newton in the adverts.

Author of The Drink Less Mind, Georgia Foster said, “We are seeing more women in their late 20s and early 30s with higher self-esteem. Their career, health and the way they look is increasingly more important.”

However, some campaigners are still concerned that although women are keeping to their weekly limits, many are continuing to drink more than the recommended two to three units daily, and therefore still classed as “binge drinkers”.

“It’s a step in the right direction that some women are drinking less,” said Chris Sorek, chief executive of the charity Drinkaware. “However, women who drink heavily in one night might technically be consuming under the weekly recommendations but are actually still putting themselves at risk.”

The Office for National Statistics reveal that on average, the number of units being consumed by women a week went down from 9.9 in 2007 to 7.7 in 2008. However there is a warning that the true figure may be higher, “Obtaining reliable information about drinking or any sensitive topic is difficult and it is generally recognised that social surveys record lower levels of alcohol consumption than might be expected,” said a spokesman.

In 2008 UK hospitals saw 325,891 women be treated for alcohol induced conditions, compared to 537,366 men. The previous five years has seen this number double for both men and women. “Women who drink more than the recommended two to three units a day can significantly increase their chance of developing serious health conditions like liver disease, breast cancer, infertility and depression,” said Mr Sorek. “Having a lot to drink in one go can also lead to more short-term problems like fatigue, weight gain and bad skin – not to mention compromised personal safety.”

The new survey highlights concerns that women are unaware of how many units they are consuming, with 75 per cent incorrectly guessing the number in a pint of beer, glass of wine or spirits measure.