Scientists tell Brits NOT to buy rounds at the pub this bank holiday

Bank holiday drinking can lead to over-indulgence and higher alcohol intake. Regular heavy drinking is linked to increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. Avoiding the pub rounds system can reduce social pressure to drink more than desired. Buying individual drinks helps keep alcohol intake in moderation. Zebra-striping can slow drinking by alternating non-alcoholic drinks with alcoholic ones. Several alcohol-free days each week are recommended, along with not exceeding the maximum weekly limit of 14 units. Alcohol also adds calories, with a unit around 60 calories and a 175ml glass of wine around 159 calories. Beer and sugary mixers can further increase calorie intake and may affect food choices after drinking.

"Scientists from the British Heart Foundation (BHF) said the long weekend could be more heart-healthy if people resist the pressure to buy everyone a pint. They warned the run of bank holidays in spring often leads to over-indulgence, and that drinking too much alcohol on a regular basis is linked to a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. While the rounds system is a British tradition, the BHF said opting out could be a simple trick to keep alcohol intake in moderation."

"Buying your own drinks, on the other hand, avoids social pressure to drink more than you might want. The charity also suggested Brits could try 'zebra-striping' - a strategy which involves getting a non-alcoholic drink between each alcoholic one to slow you down. 'Drinking can often be involved in enjoyable activities like catching up with friends or watching sport,' Tracy Parker, senior dietitian at BHF said. 'It is a part of many people's lives and can be difficult to avoid."

"'As well as avoiding rounds and trying zebra-striping, we would suggest that people try to have several alcohol-free days each week and try not to exceed the maximum recommended weekly limit of 14 units of alcohol.' The BHF warned a single unit of alcohol contains around 60 calories and a 175ml glass of wine contains roughly 159 calories. This is about the same amount as half a cheeseburger or two custard cream biscuits. A pint of average strength beer, meanwhile, works out at around 182 calories - about the same as a 35g bag of crisps."

"In addition, many drinks and mixers contain a lot of added sugar, which increases their calorie content. People may also find they eat more than they usually would, or choose less healthy foods, after drinking. 'Being heart-healthy doesn't have to mean going without the things you enjoy,' Ms Parker said. 'Small changes to social activities and home routines"

Read at Mail Online