Men told they should drink no more than women

‘What is surprising is that the United Kingdom is breaking with established global precedent by recommending the same guidelines for men and women, ‘ said the industry-funded group’s chief executive, Henry Ashworth.

Scroll down to see what 1 unit really means……..

People should not “save up” their units and drink them all in one or two goes.

The new recommended limit for men is one of the lowest among countries that offer alcohol intake advice, and one of just a few countries that issues identical advice for both men and women.

What has changed for pregnant women?

“Excessive consumption of alcohol can cause serious health problems and this has wide-ranging implications for individuals, their families and communities, and the health and social services”, he said.

Though the guidelines are not enforceable by law, they do give doctors new evidence to draw upon when evaluating patients’ alcohol intake, and also seek to dissuade United Kingdom citizens from binge-drinking.

Health chiefs in the United Kingdom say any alcohol consumption increases the risk of cancer and other diseases.

“By the Government’s own admission, drinking at regular levels is no more unsafe than a host of everyday activities”.

The guidance aims to provide the public with up-to-date scientific information so they can make informed decision about their alcohol consumption and the risk level they are willing to take. Moderate drinking, defined as up to two drinks a day for men and one for women, is “associated with increased risk of breast cancer, violence, drowning, and injuries from falls and motor vehicle crashes”.

“I want pregnant women to be very clear that they should avoid alcohol as a precaution”.

It is now known that the risks start from any level of regular drinking and increase with the amount being drunk, and the new guidelines are aimed at keeping the risk of mortality from cancers or other diseases low, the statement says.

The previous 1995 guidelines advised men to not drink more than three to four units per day – up to 21 units or less per week – while women should drink no more than two to three units a day, or 14 units per week.

Limited the total amount of alcohol you drink on any occasion. Previously, pregnant women in the United Kingdom were told not to drink but, if they did, to limit it – but that last part has become stricter. The doctors say past studies OVER-estimated any heart benefits from alcohol, but UNDER-estimated the cancer risks, particularly for breast cancer.