About Careers Internship MedBlog Contact us
Medindia LOGIN REGISTER
Advertisement

Britons Turning to Booze, Fags to Beat Economic Blues

by VR Sreeraman on August 18, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Font : A-A+

 Britons Turning to Booze, Fags to Beat Economic Blues

Recession-hit Britons are increasingly turning to booze and fags to beat the economic blues, according to a survey.

More and more stressed-out adults in the country are compromising on their health as they are guzzling more alcohol and puffing on more cigarettes than they did before the crunch hit.

Advertisement

And in a desperate bid to save cash on weekly bills, cash-strapped families are switching from healthy fruit 'n' veggies to cheap junk food.

The survey by mysupermarket.com, which monitors online sales at Britain's major supermarkets, has recorded this worrying surge in unhealthy lifestyles.
Advertisement

The frightening data, recorded since the beginning of the recession in 2007, has revealed that there has been an upsurge of 35.7 per cent in cigarette sales, while beer sales have increased by 11 per cent.

The findings of the survey revealed that ready meal sales have raised by 18 per cent, while junk food sales are up 17 per cent.

On the other hand, fruit sales have gone down by eight per cent, with vegetable sales have plummeted by seven per cent.

The findings also revealed that organic grub sales were down by a whopping 23.7 per cent.

"It's worrying that people are choosing wealth over health in the recession. The nation is becoming unhealthier because there is a misconception that healthy foods are more expensive than snacks," the News of the World quoted David Soskin of mysupermarket.com as saying.

The rise of fag sales could be down to cash-strapped smokers buying cartons of 200 cigs as part of their weekly shop rather than a pack of 20 on an evening out.

The rise in the sales of beer (11 per cent) and white wine (nine per cent) is partly because Brits are drinking at home rather than going to the pub in order to try and save the pennies.

Families are also stocking up on ready meals because they have stopped eating out as the credit crunch bites.

Soskin added: "People seem to be opting for more nights in over spending time in the pub. The popularity of ready meals is soaring as people try to recreate that Friday night atmosphere at ome."

Source: ANI
SRM
Advertisement

Advertisement
Advertisement

Latest General Health News

What Are the Consequences of Celebrities Endorsing Tobacco?
In India, youth must be aware of the diseases linked to cigarette smoking and tobacco consumption, causing a form of healthcare emergency.
 People Living Close to the Seaside Enjoy Better Health
Direct coastal access may represent a viable route to public health promotion, but the relationships of coastal living are not strongest among lower-income groups.
 Over Four Million Gardeners Place Their Hearing in Danger
New research by Tinnitus UK has found that over four million gardeners are putting their hearing capacity at risk this summer without using safety protection.
Breaking the Barrier: Unraveling Mucus Plugs to Save Lives in COPD
Mucus plugs could be targeted to help reduce fatalities from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
 Disease Modifying Therapies for Multiple Sclerosis Continue to Drive Up Healthcare Cost
The development of reliable curative therapies for multiple sclerosis could significantly reduce the economic burden of the disease on patients and wider society.
View All
This site uses cookies to deliver our services.By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy, Privacy Policy, and our Terms of Use  Ok, Got it. Close
×

Britons Turning to Booze, Fags to Beat Economic Blues Personalised Printable Document (PDF)

Please complete this form and we'll send you a personalised information that is requested

You may use this for your own reference or forward it to your friends.

Please use the information prudently. If you are not a medical doctor please remember to consult your healthcare provider as this information is not a substitute for professional advice.

Name *

Email Address *

Country *

Areas of Interests