Almost 2 in 5 (38%) Brits admit to lying about their alcohol consumption on medical forms, according to a new study by Confused.com life insurance. The research, which surveyed adults who drink at least one unit of alcohol weekly, sheds light on the UK’s evolving alcohol landscape in 2025, exploring why people conceal their drinking habits, how much they consume, and how these patterns have shifted over the past five years.
Reasons for dishonesty on medical forms
Over 1 in 7 (15%) respondents cited avoiding judgement from medical professionals as their primary reason for not being truthful about their drinking habits. Additionally, 11% felt embarrassed about their alcohol consumption, and another 11% were unaware of how many units they consumed. One in 10 (10%) felt pressure to appear healthy, while 8% worried that their drinking habits would remain on their medical records, potentially affecting future care.
Weekly alcohol consumption in the UK
The study revealed that 59% of Brits drink fewer than 10 units of alcohol per week, with 3–4 units being the most common amount, reported by 17% of drinkers. However, almost a quarter (23%) admitted to exceeding the NHS-recommended limit of 14 units per week, with 11% consuming over 20 units weekly, making this the third most common amount after 3–4 units (17%) and 5–6 units (15%). Age plays a significant role in consumption patterns. For instance, 16% of those aged 55–64 and 15% of those over 65 reported drinking more than 20 units weekly, compared to just 5% of 18–24-year-olds. Younger drinkers, particularly those aged 18–24, tend to consume less, with 37% reporting 5–6 units per week, likely reflecting growing health consciousness among this group.
Changes in drinking habits over five years
The research found that 26% of respondents increased their alcohol consumption over the past five years, while 28% reported a decrease. The 25–34 age group saw the largest increase, with 47% drinking more, often due to reaching legal drinking age or social pressures. Conversely, older groups, particularly those aged 55–64 and over 65, were most likely to reduce their intake, with 33% of both groups cutting back. Among those who increased their consumption, 41% cited casual drinking as the main reason, 36% said it had become a habit, 29% linked it to stress and mental health struggles, and 16% attributed it to professional challenges. For those reducing their intake, 47% did so for health and fitness reasons, 35% due to greater awareness of alcohol’s impact on well-being, and 12% following medical advice.
Rise of low and non-alcoholic options
The study also highlighted a growing trend towards moderation, with 38% of drinkers regularly choosing low or non-alcoholic beverages. This shift aligns with broader health-conscious trends, particularly among younger generations, and reflects the increasing availability of alcohol-free options in pubs and supermarkets.
Tom Vaughan, life insurance expert at Confused.com, said: “A lot of people think that lying about their drinking on medical forms can help them avoid a difficult conversation, but it’s really not helpful in the long run. Health professionals are here to support you, and being truthful about your alcohol consumption can help when it comes to diagnosing and treating problems that may be linked to alcohol consumption. Fabricating your alcohol intake can also impact other types of forms. For example, if you’re not truthful on a life insurance application, your coverage could be invalid.
“It’s really important to be honest in any form that has a major impact on both yourself and those around you. For those who struggle with their alcohol intake, there are health services and charities that can help and support you. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most well-known of these services, as well as Drinkline, the national alcohol helpline. The NHS, Drinkaware, and Alcohol Change UK sites are all great resources for finding out more about the help available. Your GP is also one of the best people to talk to if you’re struggling, and being honest with them about your consumption may be the first step in making some positive changes.”