Almost 2 in 5 (38%) Brits admit to lying about their alcohol consumption on medical forms, new research reveals.
That’s according to a new study by Confused.com life insurance, which found that the reasons for doing so range from a fear of being judged to worries that it might impact their medical record.
This study asked adults who drink at least one unit a week about their weekly alcohol intake, how their drinking habits have changed, whether they lie on medical forms, and why, to explore the UK’s shifting alcohol landscape.
Why aren’t people truthful about their drinking habits on forms?
When asked why, if ever, they aren’t honest about their drinking habits on medical forms, over 1 in 7 (15%) did so to avoid judgment from a medical professional. This is followed by just over 1 in 10 (11%) feeling embarrassed about the amount they drink, with a further 11% being unaware of how many units they drink.
Meanwhile, 1 in 10 (10%) feel pressure to appear healthy, whilst 8% are worried it will remain on their medical records, not being truthful about their current habits in case it gets brought up later on.
How much are Brits drinking?
As part of the research, Confused.com asked Brits how many units of alcohol they consume weekly on average. The majority (59%) drink less than 10 units a week, with 3-4 units being the most common amount, accounting for just under a fifth (17%) of drinkers.
Almost a quarter (23%) of people admitted to drinking more than the NHS recommended limit of 14 units a week. In fact, more than 1 in 10 (11%) are drinking over 20 units a week, making this the third most common amount after 3-4 units (17%) and 5-6 units (15%).
Alcohol consumption also varies by age group. For example, 16% of those aged 55-64 and 15% of over-65s are drinking more than 20 units a week. In contrast, only 5% of 18-24-year-olds drink that much. This is likely because younger people are becoming more health-conscious; 37% of 18-24-year-old drinkers now consume just 5-6 units a week.
How have drinking habits changed?
Confused.com also asked people how their drinking habits had changed over the past 5 years. While just over a quarter (26%) said they were drinking more, 28% have reported a decrease in their intake.
When looking at age groups, those aged 25-34 saw the biggest increase in alcohol consumption. Almost half (47%) in this group admitted to drinking more. While the 18-24 age group also saw a rise, this was primarily due to many turning 18 during that period.
Despite drinking more units overall than younger generations, those aged 55-64 and 65+ are reducing their alcohol intake the most. A third (33%) of both groups have cut back on drinking.
For people who increased their alcohol intake in the last 5 years, 2 in 5 (41%) said they now drink more casually. The second most common reason, reported by over a third (36%), is that drinking has become a habit. Almost a third (29%) said it was due to increased stress and mental health struggles, and for 16%, it was to cope with professional challenges.
Meanwhile, nearly half (47%) of people have decreased their intake for health and fitness reasons. This trend continues with a third (35%) saying that they have become more aware of alcohol’s impact on their wellbeing, and just over 1 in 10 (12%) receiving medical advice to reduce their alcohol consumption.
As Brits look to lower their alcohol intake, an increasing number of people are also choosing lower and non alcoholic drink options more frequently, with 38% of drinkers consuming them semi-regularly(1).
Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, comments, “A lot of people think that lying about their drinking on medical forms can help them avoid a difficult conversation, but it’s really not helpful in the long run. Health professionals are here to support you, and being truthful about your alcohol consumption can help when it comes to diagnosing and treating problems that may be linked to alcohol consumption.
“Fabricating your alcohol intake can also impact other types of forms. For example, if you’re not truthful on a life insurance application, your coverage could be invalid. It’s really important to be honest in any form that has a major impact on both yourself and those around you.
“For those who struggle with their alcohol intake, there are health services and charities that can help and support you. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most well-known of these services, as well as Drinkline, the national alcohol helpline. The NHS, Drinkaware, and Alcohol Change UK sites are all great resources for finding out more about the help available. Your GP is also one of the best people to talk to if you’re struggling, and being honest with them about your consumption may be the first step in making some positive changes.”
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