UK binge drinking trends shift as women's rates rise while men's decline

New data reveals shifting trends in binge drinking across the UK over the past decade. While fewer men now report monthly binge drinking, rates among women have risen slightly. The gap between genders has also narrowed, though certain age groups still show high levels of excessive alcohol consumption.

In 2024, the percentage of men binge drinking at least once a month dropped to 56.7%, down from 61.8% in 2015. The steepest decline appeared among those in their 20s and 30s. Despite this, men in their 40s continued to record the highest rate at 65.3%. For most men, the typical drinking frequency remained 'roughly once a week,' reported by 31%.

Among women, the monthly binge-drinking rate increased from 31.2% in 2015 to 33.4% in 2024. The sharpest rise occurred in the 30s age group. Women in their 20s had the highest rate of all female drinkers, with 44% reporting binge drinking at least once a month. The most common frequency for women overall was 'about once a month,' at 14.8%. The overall gender gap has shrunk over the past ten years. However, binge drinking remains particularly high among men in their 40s and women in their 20s.

The latest figures highlight a gradual reduction in male binge drinking, alongside a slight increase among women. While the gender difference has lessened, specific age groups still show persistent patterns of heavy alcohol use. These trends provide a clearer picture of drinking habits as public health efforts continue to address excessive consumption.