Alcohol

In 2010, the UK topped a poll as Europe’s heaviest alcohol consumers and young people in Britain are increasingly using alcohol as a central part of their social lives.

There is great concern at the pattern of drinking among children and young people and it’s consequences on health, crime, violence and antisocial behaviour. Over 20 million units of alcohol are consumed in a week by 11 to 17 years olds. By the age of 15, most children have drunk alcohol and the majority of 15 and 16 year olds (71%) associate alcohol consumption with positive consequences and having fun. Starting to drink alcohol at an early age is associated with higher rates of alcohol dependence in adulthood and a wider range of other consequences. In Nottinghamshire alcohol is the primary substance of choice for young people.

Alcohol also contains hidden calories so Rethink Your Drink! The average adult needs 2000 calories a day to maintain a steady weight. When people count calories they often forget to count the liquid ones. Calories from fizzy drinks, sugary coffee shop drinks, sports drinks and alcohol all add up. These calories contain no nutritional benefit and may lead to weight gain. Alcohol has many adverse effects on health but many people are unaware of its effect on their weight. Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, that’s almost twice as much as any other food type.