Alcohol

Excess alcohol can lead to a number of health problems, and as it is high in calories, it may cause you to put on weight.

Recommendations to help you manage your drinking:

• men should not regularly drink more than three to four units of alcohol per day
• women should not regularly drink more than two to three units of alcohol per day
• you should also take a break for 48 hours after a heavy session to let your body recover.

How much is a unit of alcohol?

• 1 unit is half a pint of standard strength beer, lager or cider, or a 25ml measure of spirit
• a standard glass of wine (175ml) is about 2 units
• alcopops are about 1.5 units.

Alcohol Scotland (external link): is an interactive website that provides useful information and advice about alcohol and uncovers some myths and truths about your drinking habits. You’ll also find some useful tools including a ‘booze quiz’ and a drink diary which can help you keep track of your drinking easily.