MEDIA RELEASE
New stats confirm hungover young adults make unhealthy choices
21/12/2019
New data released by Cancer Council WA confirms the long-held perception that young Australian adults are likely to turn to unhealthy fatty and salty foods the day after drinking alcohol.
The 2019 Shape of Australia survey involved more than 2,000 Australians who were asked about their drinking habits.
Almost two-in-three of young adults (aged 18-34) said that they consumed fatty foods the day after drinking (consuming four or more alcoholic drinks) and about the same number turned to salty foods the next day.[1]
Among the total sample across all age groups, females were more likely to consume fatty and salty foods than males the day after drinking alcohol.[2]
The data is revealed following the launch of Cancer Council’s latest LiveLighter campaign which aims to encourage Western Australians who drink to reduce their alcohol consumption during the festive season.
Cancer Council WA LiveLighter Manager Kelly Kennington said: “This latest data comes as no surprise but at this time of the year with work Christmas parties and social events where alcohol and party food are central, we want to reiterate the message.
“Many people have been surprised after seeing this campaign at how many kilojoules are in alcohol and how quickly these can add up when combined with party food, and the inevitable fatty and salty foods and sugary drink many of us reach for the next day.
“When we consume alcohol it’s frequently in situations where junk food is present, leading to further energy intake, creating a ‘double whammy’ of kilojoules.
“This data is evidence that people, particularly young adults, make unhealthy food choices the day after consuming alcohol, adding further unnecessary kilojoules to their bodies.
“It’s important people are aware of this ‘hangover effect’ and we encourage them to reduce the amount of alcohol they drink to avoid the temptation for fatty and salty foods the following day.”
Cancer Council WA reiterates there is no safe level of alcohol when it comes to cancer. If you drink alcohol, drink no more than 2 standard drinks a day, and have alcohol-free days.
Alcoholic beverages are energy-dense products which have little to no nutritional value.
Ms Kennington added: “We’ve launched this new campaign deliberately during the festive season which we know is a time for celebration, where alcohol and party food is often present.
“We’re not trying to take the enjoyment out of the festive season. We want to encourage people to be mindful of their alcohol and junk food consumption throughout the festive period, which is a time many of us gain weight which can then be very hard to shake.”
Day on a plate
LiveLighter ran an analysis of the kilojoules which could be consumed across a standard 24 hours involving alcohol. The average Australian adult needs about 8,700kJ per day.
|
|
Kilojoules |
Cumulative kilojoule total |
% of daily kilojoule recommendation (cumulative)* |
|
Saturday 8-11pm – house party |
|||
|
4 pre-mixed spirits |
3,960 |
3,960 |
46% |
|
Bowl of salt and vinegar chips |
975 |
4,935 |
57% |
|
Saturday 11:30pm – food run |
|||
|
Burger |
2,079 |
7,014 |
81% |
|
600mL bottle of cola |
1,044 |
8,058 |
93% |
|
Sunday 10am – wake up hungover |
|||
|
Bacon & egg muffin |
1,240 |
9,298 |
107% |
|
Hash brown |
587 |
9,885 |
114% |
|
Sports drink |
619 |
10,504 |
121% |
|
Sunday 2pm – still feeling groggy |
|||
|
Mega slushie |
1,369 |
11,873 |
136% |
|
Sunday 5-8pm – snacks on the couch |
|||
|
Half a packet of BBQ flavoured biscuits |
1,803 |
13,676 |
157% |
|
Chocolate bar |
987 |
14,663 |
169% |
About LiveLighter:
LiveLighter is a public health education campaign encouraging Australians to lead healthier lives by changing what they eat and drink and being more active.
In Western Australia, the LiveLighter campaign is delivered by Cancer Council WA and is funded by the State Government of Western Australia. For more information visit www.livelighter.com.au.