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English & Irish girls are officially the world’s biggest drinkers

According to a unique study of global alcohol consumption, women in England and Ireland hold the title of the world’s biggest binge drinkers.

Currently, one in three individuals aged 17 to 30 falls into the heavy drinker category, engaging in binge drinking of four or more drinks at least once every two weeks.

These alarming statistics are 11 times greater than those reported in Germany and Italy, raising concerns about the substantial risk of liver damage and early death that faces increasing numbers of women unless they reduce their alcohol intake.

The research is derived from a survey encompassing over 17,000 men and women across 21 countries, including Belgium, France, and the United States, marking the largest study conducted on global drinking behaviors.

This revelation is likely to concern policymakers who are grappling with Britain’s escalating drinking issues, which have contributed to a rise in anti-social behavior, lost work hours, and long-standing health complications like cancer and heart disease.

In response, a new government advertising initiative aims to emphasize how drunkenness increases women’s vulnerability to sexual assault. Research indicates that over three-quarters—81 percent—of victims of sexual attacks had been consuming alcohol prior to the assault.

An examination conducted by the Association of Chief Police Officers on drug-rape incidents revealed that many women had consumed large amounts of alcohol instead of being preyed upon by men using date-rape substances. The government is contemplating stricter regulations, allowing for the prosecution of men for rape if the woman was intoxicated, even if she had consented to sex.

Recent figures from the Department of Health for England and Wales indicate that over one in six women between the ages of 16 and 64 are either struggling with alcohol addiction or experiencing health issues due to drinking. Presently, nine percent of women are identified as binge drinkers, consuming four or more units in a single session.

The study highlights a significant rise in excessive drinking in England, contrasted with a decline in Germany and France. In Ireland, nearly two-thirds of young women are classified as heavy drinkers.

Dr. Andrew Steptoe, a co-author of the report, noted that while heavy drinking is a global issue, England and Ireland exhibit considerably higher rates compared to mainland Europe.

“Not all young heavy drinkers will continue this pattern into later life, but they present a greater risk for health issues down the line,” stated Dr. Steptoe from the department of epidemiology and public health at University College London.

Medical professionals have also pointed fingers at the drinks industry for intentionally targeting women with appealing drinks and surroundings. They are advocating for government regulation instead of the current self-regulation by the industry.

Apart from Denmark, England, Scotland, and Ireland remain the only countries in Western Europe where alcohol consumption is on the rise.

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