People living in colder climates with less sunlight are more likely to be heavy boozers, researchers claim
People were found to turn to alcohol which relaxes blood vessels and increases the flow of warm blood to the skin
PEOPLE living in colder climates with less sunlight are more likely to be heavy boozers, researchers say.
Experts analysing data from 193 countries found more binge drinking and liver disease where it is chilly.
Alcohol relaxes blood vessels, boosting warm blood flow to the skin. It is also linked to depression, which tends to be more common when sunlight is scarce.
The US docs said: “This demonstrates that in colder areas and areas with less sun, you have more drinking and more alcoholic cirrhosis.”
Dr Peter McCann, of West Linton, Peeblesshire, contributed to the report. He said: “Stricter laws on alcohol pricing are justified when we consider the devastating combined effect of low sunlight and cheaper alcohol on consumption.”
"Advertising laws should be addressed with restrictions during winter months strongly considered."
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Evidence of the climate link comes as the WHO prepares to present new data on alcohol consumption in Europe at a summit in Edinburgh today.
It says levels remain high and that almost half of the adult male population are at risk of both short and long-term health and social problems due to harmful drinking patterns.
Earlier this year, legislation on minimum pricing for alcohol came into force in Scotland in a bid to tackle problem drinking.
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