Bad news for socialites!
New research has shown that drinkers who ignore alcohol consumption guidelines, may be cutting years off their lives.
The international study, conducted by the University of Cambridge, came to the conclusion that those drinking more than 100g of alcohol every week - around five 175ml glasses of wine or pints of beer - were at an increased risk of early death.
Heavy drinkers were placed at higher risk of suffering a stroke, heart failure, and fatal aneurysm.
Analysed were 599,912 current drinkers in 19-different countries, and an increase in all causes of death was found when more than 100g of alcohol was consumed every week.
Lead author, Dr Angela Wood, of the University of Cambridge, said: "The key message of this research for public health is that, if you already drink alcohol, drinking less may help you live longer and lower your risk of several cardiovascular conditions."
A 40-year-old regularly drinking between 200g and 350g of alcohol per week - about 10 to 18 glasses of wine or pints of beer - had a lower life expectancy of around one to two years.
While those exceeding 350g of alcohol every week are potentially shedding four to five years off their life.
Ultimately, the study recommends alcohol limits be lowered to 100g or 12.5 units per week in across the globe.
Co-author, Professor Naveed Sattar of the University of Glasgow, said: "This study provides clear evidence to support lowering the recommended limits of alcohol consumption in many countries around the world."
While Professor Tim Chico, professor of cardiovascular medicine at the University of Sheffield, added: "The study makes clear that on balance there are no health benefits from drinking alcohol, which is usually the case when things sound too good to be true.
Unfortunately you're all too correct Professor Chico...
