SINGAPORE - In what is seen as a worrying trend, young women in Singapore are taking to the bottle in increasing numbers.

Statistics from a Health Ministry survey quoted in The Straits Times (ST) today showed that in 2010, the number of women aged between 18 and 29 who binged-drink was 12.2 per cent, compared to 9.4 per cent in 2004.

The survey, which polled 7,500 Singapore residents, also showed that this demographic registered the highest jump among all other groups. Young men, on the other hand, are drinking slightly less, dipping to 18.7 per cent last year from 18.9 per cent in 2004.

Experts the daily spoke to said that women are better able to afford the habit now, and the social stigma of the practice is no longer prevalent.

Binge drinking for women is defined as having four or more alcoholic drinks per session, while for men, it is five or more. A standard drink is typically defined as having 10g of pure alcohol, which is equivalent to a 100ml glass of wine or a 330ml can of beer.

Studies have shown that binge drinking takes a heavier toll on women’s health than men’s, as their bodies typically absorb alcohol faster and are less equipped biologically to break it down.

“Binge-drinking seems to be a rite of passage for youth here. It is getting more widespread, especially among females,” Ms Alina Boey, head of corporate communications of Asia Pacific Breweries (APB) Singapore, said in the ST report.

APB Singapore over the weekend held a “Get Your Sexy Back” campaign which aimed to promote responsible drinking among youth.