Alcohol, Metabolism And Weight Loss

The body breaks down food and beverages into nutrients and energy. Alcohol contributes calories with minimal nutritional value. In general, weight loss occurs when the body uses more calories than consumed. Chronic alcohol abuse damages the liver and gastrointestinal tract and may lead to malnutrition and weight loss. Conversely, according to the "International Journal of Obesity," moderate alcohol consumption may reduce the risk of heart disease and may not interfere with planned weight loss.

Alcohol Metabolism

Alcohol absorbed into the bloodstream from the stomach and small intestine is distributed into the water of the body's tissues. The body digests alcohol as a carbohydrate. The liver, the primary site of alcohol metabolism, oxidizes alcohol to acetaldehyde using enzymes. Acetaldehyde goes through further biochemical reactions with one pathway leading to the production of energy, fatty acids or cholesterol.

Differences in Metabolism

Gender and genetic variations play a role in differences in metabolic rates. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, equivalent alcohol consumption in men and women of similar weight results in a higher blood alcohol level in women and faster elimination of alcohol from the blood. A review of research published in the "International Journal of Human Genetics" in 2008 indicates that variations in the coding for the enzymes cytochrome P450 2E1, aldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase alter ethanol metabolism rates and health effects of alcohol consumption.

Calorie Restriction and Alcohol

Weight loss plans often restrict alcohol intake. A study published in the "International Journal of Obesity" in 2004 used either grape juice or white wine for 10 percent of the day's calories over a three-month period, and participants in both groups experienced similar weight loss. The researchers point out the need for additional research on long-term alcohol use and that the study used only white wine, so results may not apply to other alcoholic beverages.

Inhibited Nutrient Absorption

Digestive enzymes in the small intestine break down food into nutrients, and the mucous membrane absorbs the nutrients into the blood. According to a review of research published in "Alcohol Health and Research World" in 2004, chronic alcohol consumption interferes with the absorption of water, sodium, thiamine, folic acid, vitamin B12, glucose, proteins and fats.

Metabolic Syndrome

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome, with symptoms including obesity, insulin resistance, increased blood glucose and triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure. According to a Korean study published in the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" in 2008, an increased risk for symptoms of metabolic syndrome correlated to heavy drinking, especially of liquor. The authors stress that additional research is needed to determine differences in types of alcohol and minimal to moderate consumption of alcohol.

Alcohol, Metabolism and Weight Loss