The study, conducted by researchers in the University College London (UCL) Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, is the first to investigate the potential public health implications related to the under-reporting of alcohol consumption.
International studies have shown that self reported alcohol consumption only accounts for between 40-60% of alcohol sales. The UCL team investigated this discrepancy to reveal the potential impact of this ‘missing’ alcohol on public health.
After correcting the data for the under-reporting of alcohol consumption the UCL team found that the prevalence of drinking more than the weekly guidelines increases by 15% in men and 11% in women, such that 44% of men and 31% of women exceed the guidelines.
Similarly, the prevalence of drinking above the daily limit increases by 19% in men (to 75%) and 26% in women (to 80%).
In addition, the study also shows that when under-reporting is taken in to account, approximately half of men and women could be classed as ‘binge drinkers’ (defined by the Department of Health as consuming more than eight units of alcohol in a single session for men, and more than six units for women).
In particular, the proportion binge drinking increases the most among women, those on high incomes, and those living in the south of England.
Source: UCL
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