58% fewer Brits are giving up empty calories, caffeine or alcohol for Lent compared to 2012

Feb. 19, 2026 - PRLog -- New research has revealed that giving up things we love such as chocolate, cakes, caffeine and wine for Lent has tumbled by 58% in the last 14 years.

Harvey Bhandal, MD at alcohol reduction experts Sinclair Method UK, says: 'Lent is a traditional Christian period of fasting leading up to Easter. This year, it began on 18 February and will continue until 2 April. As recently as 2012, 12% of UK adults gave up something for Lent, according to the research organisation YouGov. However, that figure fell to just 5% by 2023 where, according to our analysis, it remains. That's a 58.33% decrease in the number of people observing Lent in less than 15 years.

Of those people who still give up something for Lent, 50% say they are temporarily giving up chocolate and sweets, 17% are stopping pub visits and alcohol and 10% are giving up fatty foods. The decline in the popularity of Lent has therefore given rise to fears that the long-term health of UK adults may suffer as a result.

'However, while Lent is still significant for Christians, it has always been a flawed idea to use the 40-day period primarily as a means to cut out fatty foods, chocolate, alcohol or coffee to improve health.

'There are better ways to reset our relationship with drinking than giving it up entirely for Lent and then over-indulging at Easter to celebrate. Long-term strategies are essential for effective management. Individuals who have difficulty in moderating their alcohol intake may benefit from evidence-based approaches such as the Sinclair Method (TSM), which utilises prescribed medication in conjunction with structured online coaching and counselling. This established treatment demonstrates an 80% success rate in supporting individuals to address problematic drinking.

'The treatment involves patients taking naltrexone orally one hour prior to alcohol consumption, diminishing the rewarding effects of alcohol and facilitating "pharmacological extinction" by retraining the brain's reward pathways.

'Sinclair Method UK Ltd offers tailored treatment programmes that include individual support from a private general practitioner and specialised coaching over a period of three to six months. Consultations are conducted via telephone or video call and prescriptions for required medications are issued as appropriate. All services are delivered in compliance with strict privacy and confidentiality standards.

'Sinclair Method UK Ltd was founded with direct input from Dr. Roy Eskapa, a colleague of Dr. David Sinclair whose research led to this treatment. Dr. Eskapa trained and advised the team, making Sinclair Method UK the only organisation permitted to use The Sinclair Method trademark in the UK. For more information, visit: https://www.sinclairmethoduk.com