Alcohol is a depressant that alters mood, coordination and cognition. It comes in many forms and can be found at social gatherings ranging from weddings and formal occasions to clubs and parties. While fine in moderation, alcohol can contribute to weight gain when consumed excessively. Understanding the connection between alcohol and weight gain allows you to make informed choices regarding alcohol in your diet.
Significance
Overweight and obesity are extremely prevalent in today's society. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, more than 2/3 of American adults --- or 68 percent --- are overweight or obese. Learning which lifestyle factors contribute to weight gain and obesity is vital for preventing and treating the condition and the health conditions associated with it, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Types
Alcoholic beverages come in a variety of colors, flavors and sizes. Beer is one of the most widely consumed alcoholic drinks and contains the lowest alcohol content. Wine and champagne contain slightly more alcohol than beer, while hard liquor is the most concentrated form of alcohol available. Liquor is a key ingredient in mixed drinks like strawberry daiquiris and margaritas and also contains varying levels of alcohol.
Effects
Drinking too much of any type of alcohol can lead to weight increase, though wine may be slightly less likely to trigger weight gain, according to MayoClinic.com. Alcohol causes weight gain by suppressing lipid oxidation, with nonoxidized lipids being deposited primarily in the abdominal region. The National Institutes of Health states that other factors like liver function and regularity of alcohol consumption can affect the ultimate amount of weight gain a person experiences when drinking alcohol. In addition, many alcoholic drinks are high in empty calories in the form of sugar and carbohydrates, which can also contribute to weight gain.
Prevention/Solution
Abstaining from alcohol consumption is the only way to completely avoid the risk of weight gain associated with the substance. If you don't want to give up alcohol, MayoClinic.com suggests limiting your intake to two or fewer drinks per day to minimize weight gain. Monitoring your caloric intake from other sources, such as soda, fried foods and sweet desserts, can help keep your calorie consumption at a reasonable level. On days when alcohol is consumed, consider skipping dessert or cutting out another high-calorie food. Thirty minutes of moderate-intensity cardiovascular exercise each day helps burn calories to prevent them from being stored as fat.
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