Drinking alcohol

Most of us enjoy having a drink, to unwind after a hard day's work or wind up to a busy weekend. It is important to remember that the calorie content of alcohol is high so the more you drink, the slower your weight loss may will be.

The UK Department of Health advises that there are no significant health risks for consumption levels between 3 and 4 units or less a day for men, and between 2 and 3 units or less a day for women.

Modest alcohol intakes may be beneficial, although heavy drinking can lead to a wide range of health problems, including cancer, liver disease, stroke and high blood pressure, as well as mental health and social problems.  Binge drinking should be avoided.

Bear in mind each gram of alcohol provides 29 kJ (7 kcal).  Each unit of alcohol in the UK contains approximately 8 grams of alcohol. That means each unit has approximately 56 kcals.

How many units of alcohol does my drink have?

WINE (ABV) 125ML (SMALL GLASS) 175ML (STANDARD GLASS)
12% 1.5 units 2.1 units
14% 1.75 units 2.45 units

 

BEER (ABV) HALF PINT
330ML BOTTLE
PINT
4% 1.1 units
2.2 units
5% 1.4 units 1.7 units 2.8 units

 

SPIRITS(ABV) 25ML (SINGLE) 50ML (DOUBLE)
40% 1 unit 2 units

 

Find out more about alcohol consumption