As many as 72 million Americans could be considered obese with a body mass index score of greater than 30, with obesity being linked to a risk for diseases ranging from heart disease to diabetes. When it comes to losing this excess weight, alcohol is often added to the list of items not to consume. However, some studies now suggest that wine may help with weight loss in some individuals, when consumed in moderation.
Benefits of Drinking in Moderation on Weight Loss
A new study by the Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston suggests that moderate wine drinking in women may contribute to weight loss. The study followed 19,220 American women in the United States 39 years of age and older, and found the women who did not drink alcohol at all gained the most weight. Weight benefits were seen in all forms of moderate alcohol consumption, with red wine having the most effect and white wine having the least. It's important to note that the authors of the study caution that both the adverse and beneficial effects of drinking must be weighed first before adding wine to your diet.
Other Wine Benefits
Along with the possible weight loss benefits, drinking wine, especially red wine, in moderation has also been linked to heart health, including raising HDL "good" cholesterol, reducing the formation of blood clots and helping prevent arterial damage from LDL "bad" cholesterol, according to MayoClinic.com. It's important to note that eating skin on grapes may also provide some of the same benefits as drinking red wine without the alcohol. Moderation is considered two servings for men or one serving for women per day of 5 oz.
Excessive Drinking and Calories
Excessive wine drinking can actually work against your weight loss goals. For every 4 oz. of wine you consume, you increase your calorie intake for the week by approximately 85 calories, according to Livestrong.com MyPlate. While one glass a night may not derail your diet, excessive wine drinking can quickly add up, increasing your chances of storing excess calories as fat in your adipose tissue.
Other Problems with Excessive Drinking
Excessive drinking can also lead to alcoholism, even with wine. Effects of alcoholism can include digestive problems like gastritis, liver problems like hepatitis and cirrhosis, erectile dysfunction, diabetes, heart problems, bone loss and an increased risk for certain cancers, especially cancer of the throat, liver and colon. Psychosocial problems can also develop such as family problems, loss of job, and a higher risk of committing crime, suggests MayoClinic.com.
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