Alcohol

Alcohol misuse is the biggest risk factor for death, ill-health and disability among 15-49 year-olds in the UK, and the fifth biggest risk factor across all ages.

Alcohol harms are estimated to cost the NHS around £3.5 billion annually. Alcohol is a causal factor in more than 60 medical conditions, including: mouth, throat, stomach, liver and breast cancers; high blood pressure, cirrhosis of the liver; and depression.

The UK Chief Medical Officers’ guideline for both men and women is that to keep health risks from alcohol to a low level it is safest not to drink more than 14 units a week on a regular basis.

As well as alcohol intake over the week, the Chief Medical Officers’ (CMO) low risk unit guidelines give advice about single session drinking and drinking in pregnancy. Find out more about the alcohol unit guidelines.

Click here to use our unit/calorie counter to find out exactly what is in your drinks.