A quarter of Brits ‘take more risks' when it's hot outside as survey shows a 3rd enjoy a dip after drinking alcohol
RISKY BUSINESS A quarter of Brits 'take more risks' when it's hot outside as survey shows a 3rd enjoy a dip after drinking alcohol
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A quarter of Brits "take more risks" when it's hot outside - with a third admitting they've gone for a swim after consuming alcohol.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 22 per cent don't see any harm in going for a dip in the summer months after one or two drinks.
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The risk of drowning increases five-fold in temperatures over 20
Credit: Joe Pepler/PinPep
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The 'Don't Drink and Dive' campaign raises awareness for the risks of swimming under the influence
Credit: Joe Pepler/PinPep
With 64 per cent blaming peer pressure for the number of people who drink and swim, while 80 per cent think lack of awareness could also be a factor.
It also emerged 74 per cent had no idea a quarter of drowning-related incidents involve alcohol, and 41 per cent weren't aware hot weather can make you feel the effects of alcohol more strongly.
While 70 per cent didn't know the risk of drowning is significantly more likely in the UK after drinking when air temperatures hit 20 degrees - compared to when temperatures are below 10 degrees.
The research was commissioned by Malibu, which has teamed up with Tom Daley to raise awareness of the heightened risk of drowning when it's hot and after consuming alcohol.
The Olympic gold medallist, who retired last year, showed his support for the campaign by wearing innovative colour-changing swimming trunks which turn yellow at 20 degrees, designed to remind the wearer of the increased risk of drinking and unintentional drowning in hot weather.
He said: "It was inspiring to see the impact of last year's 'Don't Drink and Dive' campaign, in raising awareness of water responsibility when drinking.
"This year, our mission remains the same: to raise awareness and change behaviour for the better, this time with a fresh summer-centric focus."
The study also found for 38 per cent, having a few drinks by the beach or the pool is one of their favourite things to do.
With 57 per cent of drinkers finding it all too easy to get carried away - admitting to having one or two too many.
Of those who've gone for a swim after drinking, the pool is their most likely destination (86 per cent) followed by the sea (42 per cent) and hot tubs (29 per cent).
Brit tourist, 74, found dead on his sun lounger on Greek island Crete after falling ill when he went swimming
And 45 per cent have soon come to regret their decision – admitting they've struggled in the water after consuming alcohol.
Carried out through OnePoll, the research also found many of those polled were unaware of the biggest health risks prior taking part in the study.
It emerged 73 per cent didn't know recovery from cold water shock is more difficult after swimming while under the influence of alcohol, and 70 per cent didn't know there's an increased risk of hypothermia.
Similarly, 32 per cent had no idea coordination is impacted and 29 per cent hadn't realised judgement is impaired.
A spokesperson for Malibu said: 'With 'Don't Drink and Dive' back for round two, we're here to remind the nation of the increased drowning risk in hot weather.
"As temperatures rise, people are naturally drawn to the outdoors, so it's important to remind Brits that the risk increases when they become less cautious in these conditions, after all, one in four drownings involve alcohol.
"We encourage the nation to have fun this summer and stay responsible.'
Sam Hill, researcher at Bournemouth University, added: 'What should be a fun day near the water can turn into a high-risk situation when you combine alcohol and heat.
"Our data show a five-fold increase in drowning risk when temperatures exceed 20 degrees.
"'Don't Drink and Dive' sheds an important light on these dangers and encourages everyone to drink and enjoy the water responsibly this summer."
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I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out
Scroll down to find out everything you need to know about fat jabs WEIGHT UP! I shed 6st in 9 months on fat jabs – the rule you need to follow to not put weight back on & it works when eating out Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN who shed a whopping 6st in just nine months has shared the secret behind not pilling back all the pounds when eating out. Lucy Davies kickstarted her weight loss journey with the popular fat jab almost a year ago and has since managed to shed a staggering 6 stone. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 he blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and her experience with Mounjaro on TikTok Credit: tiktok/@insightfullucy 3 She recently revealed her tip for not putting all the weight back on Credit: @insightfullucy 3 Mounjaro is typically used to treat type 2 diabetes Credit: Getty The blonde beauty has also been documenting the process and her experience with Mounjaro on TikTok - where she recently revealed she still enjoys eating out every now and then. Mounjaro is regarded by some as the King Kong of weight loss jabs. Sun GP Dr Zoe Williams acknowledged that Mounjaro, which has been rolled out on the NHS, can save the lives of people with 'life-threatening levels of obesity.' But despite this, the NHS warned: 'Never take an anti-obesity medicine if it has not been prescribed to you. "These types of medicines may not be safe for you and can cause serious side effects.' About half a million Brits use weight loss drugs - and the number is expected to double in the next year. Mounjaro works by suppressing your appetite, making people feel fuller for longer. The injections are licensed for patients with type 2 diabetes and to assist those who are clinically obese (with a Body Mass Index of 30 or over). One jab is administered each week but the duration is dependent on someone's weight. Lucy's results were no doubt impressive - and despite looking incredible, she still enjoys the foods she loves, and it's all thanks to one key tip. Towie star Saffron Lempriere reveals how she lost 12 pounds in 4 weeks - without fat jabs The stunner, who posts under the username @insightfullucy, explained that she's ''always loved eating out''. But while many of may stuff our faces - which is also needed from time to time - Lucy has maintained her enviable figure with ensuring she doesn't go overboard. ''I just make sure I stick to a calorie deficit,'' she told her 34k followers in a recent video. Everything you need to know about fat jabs Weight loss jabs are all the rage as studies and patient stories reveal they help people shed flab at almost unbelievable rates, as well as appearing to reduce the risk of serious diseases. Wegovy – a modified version of type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic – and Mounjaro are the leading weight loss injections used in the UK. Wegovy, real name semaglutide, has been used on the NHS for years while Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a newer and more powerful addition to the market. Mounjaro accounts for most private prescriptions for weight loss and is set to join Wegovy as an NHS staple this year. How do they work? The jabs work by suppressing your appetite, making you eat less so your body burns fat for energy instead and you lose weight. They do this my mimicking a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain when the stomach is full, so the drugs are officially called GLP-1 receptor agonists. They slow down digestion and increase insulin production, lowering blood sugar, which is why they were first developed to treat type 2 diabetes in which patients' sugar levels are too high. Can I get them? NHS prescriptions of weight loss drugs, mainly Wegovy and an older version called Saxenda (chemical name liraglutide), are controlled through specialist weight loss clinics. Typically a patient will have to have a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, classifying them as medically obese, and also have a weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure. GPs generally do not prescribe the drugs for weight loss. Private prescribers offer the jabs, most commonly Mounjaro, to anyone who is obese (BMI of 30+) or overweight (BMI 25-30) with a weight-related health risk. Private pharmacies have been rapped for handing them out too easily and video calls or face-to-face appointments are now mandatory to check a patient is being truthful about their size and health. Are there any risks? Yes – side effects are common but most are relatively mild. Around half of people taking the drug experience gut issues, including sickness, bloating, acid reflux, constipation and diarrhoea. Dr Sarah Jarvis, GP and clinical consultant at said: 'One of the more uncommon side effects is severe acute pancreatitis, which is extremely painful and happens to one in 500 people.' Other uncommon side effects include altered taste, kidney problems, allergic reactions, gallbladder problems and hypoglycemia. Evidence has so far been inconclusive about whether the injections are damaging to patients' mental health. Figures obtained by The Sun show that, up to January 2025, 85 patient deaths in the UK were suspected to be linked to the medicines. A calorie deficit is often touted as the key to weight loss - it's when you consume fewer calories than you burn in a day. Calories are the energy you get from food, fuelling everything from breathing to exercise. When you're in a calorie deficit, your body draws on stored energy (primarily fat) to make up the difference, which can lead to weight loss over time. To reach a calorie deficit, you need to either eat fewer calories, increase physical activity or do a combination of both. For example, if your calories are 2,000 per day, reducing to 1,500 calories or boosting physical activity by 500 calories would create a deficit. However, it's worth emphasising that creating a calorie deficit isn't a one-size-fits-all approach. Factors like age, how active you are, health conditions and metabolic rate - the speed at which your body burns calories at rest - can all affect your personal calorie needs. Thanks to being mindful, Lucy's managed to lose weight - whilst still consuming a variety of foods, including sweet potato fries which typically tend to be more fatty. However, that doesn't mean Lucy eats like this all the time - there have also been plenty of occasions when the foodie has opted for healthier, more veggie-heavy options to keep the calories lower. ''You can still enjoy eating out on Mounjaro,'' Lucy wrote in the caption. What are the other side effects of weight loss jabs? Like any medication, weight loss jabs can have side effects. Common side effects of injections such as Ozempic include: Nausea: This is the most commonly reported side effect, especially when first starting the medication. It often decreases over time as your body adjusts. Vomiting: Can occur, often in conjunction with nausea. Diarrhea: Some people experience gastrointestinal upset. Constipation: Some individuals may also experience constipation. Stomach pain or discomfort: Some people may experience abdominal pain or discomfort. Reduced appetite: This is often a desired effect for people using Ozempic for weight loss. Indigestion: Can cause a feeling of bloating or discomfort after eating. Serious side effects can also include: Pancreatitis: In rare cases, Ozempic may increase the risk of inflammation of the pancreas, known as pancreatitis, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. Kidney problems: There have been reports of kidney issues, including kidney failure, though this is uncommon. Thyroid tumors: There's a potential increased risk of thyroid cancer, although this risk is based on animal studies. It is not confirmed in humans, but people with a history of thyroid cancer should avoid Ozempic. Vision problems: Rapid changes in blood sugar levels may affect vision, and some people have reported blurry vision when taking Ozempic. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Especially if used with other medications like sulfonylureas or insulin. The reality of Mounjaro Although many have boasted about weight loss success since using Mounjaro, last year it was revealed that Scots nurse Susan McGowan, 58, died after taking low-dose injections of Mounjaro over a fortnight. A probe also found that nearly 400 people have gone to hospital after taking weight loss drugs. The common side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which can lead to severe dehydration. And if that wasn't bad enough, doctors say they have also seen 'life-threatening complications', including seizures, bowel obstruction and inflammation of the pancreas. Model Lottie Moss, 27, even said she had a seizure after taking high doses of Ozempic. The makers of Mounjaro, Lilly UK, said patient safety is its 'top priority'. Lilly UK stressed: 'Regulatory agencies conduct extensive independent assessments of the benefits and risks of every new medicine and Lilly is committed to continually monitoring, evaluating, and reporting safety data. 'If anyone is experiencing side effects when taking any Lilly medicine, they should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional.'
