"Shaken, not stirred" is one of the most iconic statements frequently uttered by a fictional spy who needs little introduction. But could there be a different kind of shaking involved when James Bond enjoys a drink - specifically alcohol induced tremors?

This is just one worrying suggestion posed in a British Medical Journal article exploring 007's drinking habits over the course of 14 of Ian Fleming's Bond books (although only 12 were deemed detailed enough to be included). The authors reveal that Bond's average weekly alcohol consumption was 92 units - around four times the recommended limit. In a particularly excessive example, a 49.8 unit day was identified in From Russia With Love. In many cases, the drinking was extra dangerous as Bond would happily hop behind the wheel soon afterwards.

The researchers conclude, "James Bond’s level of alcohol intake puts him at high risk of multiple alcohol related diseases and an early death. The level of functioning as displayed in the books is inconsistent with the physical, mental, and indeed sexual functioning expected from someone drinking this much alcohol." Bond is primarily susceptible to liver disease and impotence - the latter certainly an unwelcome side effect for a proven ladies' man.

Before you dismiss this as an example of particularly pointless 'research', note that the BMJ article is a distinctly tongue-in-cheek piece of 'scientific' research, published as part of their Christmas edition. As the funding and ethical disclaimers note, "No funding was sought for this study. The original books were already owned by two of the study authors" and "no consent has been sought from the Commander Bond chronicled in the original Ian Fleming novels. The barrier to this chiefly being his fictional nature meaning he is unable to give valid consent." 

However, there is a very serious point to be made as well, with the author's emphasising, "Excess alcohol consumption is a societal and health problem throughout the world. Around 4% of deaths worldwide are related to alcohol, with 2.5 million deaths a year attributable to its use." 

You can read the full article on the British Medical Journal website.