Smoking Linked to Binge Drinking and Unhealthy Eating

Smokers are more likely than those who have never smoked to report engaging in poor lifestyle choices, including drinking above the guidelines and binge drinking as well as not eating the recommended amounts of fruit and vegetables, according to a new study out today.

The research, undertaken by ASH Wales in conjunction with the Cardiff Institute of Society and Health at Cardiff University, looked at the health profile of 13,000 adults in Wales, and compared current and former smokers to those who had never smoked(1) . The aim of the study was to gain an understanding of the health status and behaviours of smokers in Wales today.

The study found that whilst smokers were more likely to report having been treated for heart, respiratory and arthritic conditions than their non-smoking counterparts, they were also more likely to admit drinking above the guidelines than non-smokers, with more men than women reporting both drinking above the national guidelines (currently more than 4 units for men and 3 for women) and binge drinking (more than 8 units for men, 6 units for women). Smokers were also less likely to report getting their five daily portions of fruit and vegetables, than both ex-smokers and those who had never smoked.

Also of interest was the relationship between smoking and mental illness. Female smokers in particular were twice as likely as those who had never smoked to report suffering from a mental illness, and higher proportions of women (18%) than men (10%) reported being treated for some form of mental health condition (depression, anxiety etc).

Dr Sarah Whitehead from the Cardiff Institute of Society and Health will be presenting her findings to an international audience at the Smokefree Futures Tobacco Control Conference being held in Cardiff on 11th and 12th October.

Dr Whitehead commented: “The findings reinforce what we already know – that smoking is linked to a number of associated illnesses and poor health behaviours. This will continue to be a problem for Wales unless more is done to reduce the smoking prevalence rates, which have remained at 24% since 2007.”

Tanya Buchanan, Chief Executive of ASH Wales added: “We have known for many years now that smoking is a major cause of ill health and associated with a number of chronic health conditions but this research also reveals the link between smoking and multiple health risk behaviours. I will be asking the First Minister Carwyn Jones, who is addressing our conference today, to look closely at this new evidence. Tobacco, alcohol, nutrition and fitness are all interlinked and are key areas requiring investment and positive action through a Health in all Policies approach which will return significant health benefits for the people of Wales.”

Andrew Misell, Policy Manager, Alcohol Concern Cymru, said: “This shows there is a relationship between excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. We need to do more to educate people about the significant health risks associated with exceeding safe drinking limits. Tackling the culture of alcohol and tobacco misuse must be key priorities for the Welsh Assembly Government.”

Notes

(1) Data derived from the Welsh Health Survey 2008. It should be noted that the prevalence rates for smoking in Wales were 24% for 2007, 2008 and 2009

Jamie Roberts is the Strongest Link

For Immediate Release

Cardiff Blues and Welsh international rugby player Jamie Roberts won £16,900 for the tobacco control campaigning charity ASH Wales last night.

Jamie took part in a special edition of the BBC’s Weakest Link programme which saw rugby players from the Welsh, English, French, Irish and All Blacks teams take on their biggest challenge yet – facing the BBC presenter Anne Robinson, noted for her sharp wit and acidic tongue.

Jamie was pitted against Lee Mears in the final aired on BBC1 on Saturday 29th May.

Anne Robinson who is famous for issuing the phrase “you are the weakest link – goodbye!” and reducing contestants on her show to shivering jellies described Jamie as “tall and pretty”.

Winning the Weakest Link programme adds to a great success on the field for Jamie following his try which helped the Cardiff Blues secure an historic win against Toulon to win the Amlin Cup last week.

Jamie, who is studying medicine at Cardiff University, said: “Facing Anne Robinson was one of the most frightening moments of my career, far more frightening than facing some of the world’s toughest rugby players. I was surprised to get through to the final but delighted to win the money to help the youth programme at the ASH Wales charity.”

Tanya Buchanan, Chief Executive of ASH Wales, commented: “Jamie has been a great ambassador for ASH Wales and continues to be so. We are delighted that he has chosen to donate the money to ASH Wales. The money will be put to good use, helping ASH Wales to develop its peer health promoters’ youth programme. Peer health promoters are trained to work with young people in their local communities, providing the facts about smoking and assisting them to quit.”

Notes to Editors

Please refer all press enquiries to enquiries@ashwales.org.uk

Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Wales is the only voluntary organisation in Wales with the sole task of tackling the ill health caused by tobacco use. Our main aim is to achieve a reduction in, and eventual elimination of, the health problems associated with tobacco use. ASH Wales was established in 1976 as a branch of ASH UK. In 2007 ASH Wales became an independent company limited by guarantee and a charity registered in Wales.