My features on drinking triggered a lot of media interest, some of which seems to have misunderstood what I was trying to say. I am not, for example, telling people they should not drink but rather trying to give them the evidence so they can make their own judgements. The science researchers I spoke to were keen to emphasise the value of having two alcohol free days a week, something which fits in neatly with the Fast Diet.
The Public Health Minister Anna Soubry came on Radio 4 after my series had gone out and said:
“That was a brilliant report if I may say…I thought the 2:2 was a cute message. Good, simple and accurate as well. Certainly I’ll talk to the CMO (Chief Medical Officer) about that.”
I have listed the media response to the guidelines below if you would like to see what others are saying.
BBC Breakfast TV interview
I was on the sofa up in Manchester on Tuesday 2nd January talking about the Fast Diet but also about a new series for You and Yours looking at government guidelines in relation to exercise, booze and “5 a day”. If you want to watch the BBC Breakfast interview the link is here. As an added bonus you get to see a Christmas present from my wife, a new shirt that is not pink.
The media response to drinking guidelines
UK press:
Alcohol guidelines ‘too high’ say doctors
The new Puritans don’t understand the joy of drinking
Julian Baggini: Confused about health? Drink more
Even a tipple a day is one too many – warning from doctors
Foreign press:
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