Student dieting habits ‘outrageous’

By Hannah Stanton

Students are risking their lives with the amount they are drinking, according to experts.

The worry is that the students do not realise what they are doing to their health. The facts are shocking. Around 40% of patients admitted to A&E are diagnosed with alcohol-related injuries or illnesses, many of which are the result of binge drinking. A large amount of these young people are students.

Marie Saunders, 40, a nurse in Canterbury, said: “I’ve been in this job for 15 years; the amount of young people I’ve treated for alcohol poisoning is outrageous. Binge drinking has definitely increased in the last couple of years.”

Fiona Williams, 20, a student said: “You just don’t think about it, I’ve got to admit I buy alcohol over food sometimes when I’ve run out of money.”

Clare Sheppard, 43, a receptionist, said: “My daughters in her second year at uni, it seriously concerns me that she’s drinking too much. Also her diet is poor because she chooses drink instead of food. I’m not happy about it.”

A lot of students don’t care that much about their health. This is a huge concern.

Nathan Lockley, 23, a student said: “The risks don’t bother me. You only live once.”

For more information on the risky alcohol pose to health visit www.nhs.uk/Livewell/alcohol/Pages/Bingedrinking.aspx