Over the years I've come to realize Penny likes to drink and quite often, too. Especially this past season, she always has at least one drink every episode. Am I the only one who notices this?

I have noticed.

Keep in mind, however, when you watch a show, you're only seeing 20 minute glimpses into the characters' lives and you're seeing a period of time (maybe a few days) squeezed into a short period of time.

I've noticed this as well, but it seems like no one on the show seems to notice or call her out on it. It doesnt seem like she is drinking alone though

Raj is always drinking, but I guess that's so they can have him take to Penny. Yes, I think she drinks too much but it's common on sitcoms. Dan Connor ALWAYS had a beer. Bit of a trollop as well...

They also have meals on each show but we never really see them eat.

In most of the episodes, you can see the characters eating take out food from restaurants. They hardly ever cook.

I have never really seen them eat, they play with their forks in the food while the talk.

I have never really seen them eat, they play with their forks in the food while the talk.

I'm sure the reason is that with multiple takes, they would probably get sick from eating too much food.

I think they have Penny drink like she does because drinking is popular with twentysomethings in this society. They go out to clubs to socialize and dance, they drink. They drink at parties, they play drinking games like beer pong.