Alcoholic beverages are high in calories, and are often to blame for sudden weight gain. In fact, alcohol is one of the first items that weight-loss hopefuls cut out of their diets. However, alcohol isn't solely to blame for being overweight; long-term weight maintenance requires a lifestyle makeover. In some cases, extreme alcohol consumption can also result in weight loss. To combat these issues, it is best to drink alcohol in moderate amounts, or abstain from it entirely. Seek a physician's help if you have problems overcoming alcohol addiction.
Alcohol and Weight Gain
Weight gain is associated with alcohol consumption, but the exact relationship is unclear. Drinking alcohol generally increases your appetite, so you might consume more food while drinking alcohol than while abstaining from it. In serious cases, MayoClinic.com explains, long-term heavy drinking can damage your pancreas and your stomach. This can decrease your metabolism and your body's ability to convert carbohydrates and fat into energy. As a result, your body will retain excess fat, causing weight gain.
Alcohol-related Weight Loss
Professor David J. Hanson, Ph.D. claims that alcohol actually helps temporarily increase your metabolism, resulting in an increased number of calories burned. Weight gain occurs when your body can't metabolize excess calories. Just as alcohol can cause weight gain through pancreatic damage, drinking too much can cause weight loss in some cases. When your body becomes used to alcohol, you may skip meals and snacks that provide nutrition as well as calories. Not eating food on a regular basis will cause calorie-restricted weight loss. The over-consumption of alcohol over a period of time can also cause gastrointestinal problems, such as vomiting and diarrhea. Losing too much body fluid can cause weight loss.
Risk Factors
Scientific evidence obtained by the "Archives of General Psychiatry" also suggests that relatives of alcoholics may not be safe from addictive behaviors that result in weight gain. According to Reuters Health Information, you're more likely to suffer from obesity related to unhealthy diet habits if you have a family member who has suffered from alcoholism.
Prevention/Solution
If alcohol isn't to blame for your weight, discuss all of the available weight loss options with your doctor. Reuters Health Information reports that prescription weight loss pills may help you lose weight if you indulge in junk food at an uncontrollable rate. These weight loss drugs are typically prescribed for patients who are considered medically obese. Healthy adults should drink moderately or not at all to avoid the adverse health effects of alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism recommends that women drink a maximum of three drinks a day, but not to exceed seven per week. Men should not exceed 14 drinks a week and four drinks a day. Discuss the appropriate amount of alcohol intake with your doctor.
References
- Medline Plus; Family History of Alcoholism Raises Obesity Risk; Julie Steenhuysen; Dec. 31, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Alcoholism; Mayo Clinic Staff; May 6, 2010
- Prof. DavidAlcohol Problems and Solutions; Alcohol, Calories and Weight; J. Hanson, Ph.D.
- U.S. News and World Report; The Skinny on Alcoholic Beverages and Weight Loss; Katherine Hobson; July 17, 2009
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