2024-09-19 08:09:51
Alcohol is a neurotoxin, but is still widely consumed as a recreational drug. Less would be more. British researchers show how this can be achieved.
A somewhat unusual study comes from Great Britain. However, it is consistent with studies that have been carried out on overweight people or people on a diet. Apparently, it depends on how a drink or meal is presented. The smaller the portion, the fewer calories or alcohol are consumed. No seconds are taken.
The owners of twelve pubs and restaurants agreed to take part in the experiment. Instead of serving a full pint of beer (just over half a litre), the landlords only served two-thirds of it – the largest draft beer available.
The result: beer consumption fell by ten percent. People have obviously become accustomed to a certain amount, but this probably has more to do with the amount than the portion size. However, wine consumption rose at the same time, so that overall alcohol consumption only fell by five percent. The high increase in wine consumption can be attributed to an outlier in the bars, where wine consumption increased very sharply.
In the Guardian, study leader Theresa Marteau said “This is the first real-world study to look at this (drinking behaviour under these conditions, Editor’s note). “Does this have the potential to contribute to population health? I would definitely say yes.”
A tax on sugary soft drinks has already been introduced in Great Britain. This measure also had a significant effect on obesity among children and young people.