20% of women in the UK drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, the government's recommended limit.
In general, women and men process alcohol differently. Women tend to weigh less, and so have less tissue in their bodies to absorb alcohol. Women also tend to have a higher ratio of fat to water in their bodies, so they have less body fluid to dilute alcohol.
It is also thought that women have less of the enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase - AHD) that the liver uses to process alcohol; drink therefore stays in their systems for longer, so has a greater effect.
Alcohol affects both women's and men's perceptions and behaviour. They may become more aggressive or violent, or may be less able to defend themselves, unable to judge if a situation is risky or more vulnerable to assault.
Women are most likely to drink wine or spirits, which tend to have more units than drinks like cider. These drinks can also be calorie-heavy.
There is quite strong evidence that drinking more than the weekly recommended limits is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Like men, women who drink too much are vulnerable to liver damage, heart disease, skin problems and increased risk of cancers.
Drinking alcohol whilst pregnant can affect the development of the foetus.
The government recommends that women should not drink more than 2-3 units a day, and 14 units a week. Women should have several alcohol-free days per week.
'Alcohol and Women' is available to buy as part of our KS3/4 alcohol leaflets pack and KS3/4 alcohol posters pack. Visit our Literature store to find out more.
THINK OF THE RISKS, CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES
20% of women in the UK drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, the government's recommended limit.
In general, women and men process alcohol differently. Women tend to weigh less, and so have less tissue in their bodies to absorb alcohol. Women also tend to have a higher ratio of fat to water in their bodies, so they have less body fluid to dilute alcohol.
It is also thought that women have less of the enzyme (alcohol dehydrogenase - AHD) that the liver uses to process alcohol; drink therefore stays in their systems for longer, so has a greater effect.
Alcohol affects both women's and men's perceptions and behaviour. They may become more aggressive or violent, or may be less able to defend themselves, unable to judge if a situation is risky or more vulnerable to assault.
Women are most likely to drink wine or spirits, which tend to have more units than drinks like cider. These drinks can also be calorie-heavy.
There is quite strong evidence that drinking more than the weekly recommended limits is linked with an increased risk of breast cancer.
Like men, women who drink too much are vulnerable to liver damage, heart disease, skin problems and increased risk of cancers.
Drinking alcohol whilst pregnant can affect the development of the foetus.
The government recommends that women should not drink more than 2-3 units a day, and 14 units a week. Women should have several alcohol-free days per week.
'Alcohol and Women' is available to buy as part of our KS3/4 alcohol leaflets pack and KS3/4 alcohol posters pack. Visit our Literature store to find out more.
THINK OF THE RISKS, CONSIDER THE CONSEQUENCES