The Relationship Between Alcohol and Weight Gain 

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The Relationship Between Alcohol and Weight Gain 

It’s a popular thought that consuming alcohol will result in weight gain. But the correlation isn’t quite as straightforward as many would think it is. Studies have shown that there isn’t a clear connection between the two. According to the Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education, studies have found positive, negative, and no association between alcohol and weight gain. But there is a lot more nuance to the connection. The one thing that seems to be clear is that weight gain can be associated with alcohol consumption, but it is not guaranteed. 

Alcohol and Weight Gain 

Although science hasn’t found a strong correlation between the two, a few reasons are fueling the potential connection. Alcohol inhibits the body’s ability to burn fat, it’s high in calories, and it can lead to cravings for salty and greasy foods, which have been linked to weight gain and obesity. For those who drink alcohol but live an active lifestyle, weight gain and obesity are less likely to occur. The same is true for individuals who eat a more healthy and balanced diet. People who drink alcohol and do not lead a healthy lifestyle are more likely to experience weight gain. While some men are more likely to gain weight due to alcohol, it has been seen in women. Beer consumption has been shown to disproportionately affect more men than women by promoting more weight gain in the abdomen. If you’re concerned that your drinking has gotten beyond your control, drug and alcohol treatment can be the solution you need to get back on track. 

Health Outcomes 

There may be no clear-cut correlation between weight gain and alcohol, but there is a clear correlation between alcohol consumption and less favorable health outcomes. Some health concerns that are directly linked to alcohol include liver disease, hypertension, elevated cholesterol, heart disease, and a higher risk of stroke. The liver takes the largest burden of filtering alcohol in the body, and excessive drinking can overwork it and lead to conditions like cirrhosis. Because alcohol constricts the blood vessels, the body has to raise its blood pressure to keep the blood flowing more optimally, resulting in hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.  There are even some cancers that are associated with alcohol, including breast, colon, and liver cancer.   

Living a Healthy Lifestyle 

Alcohol should always be consumed in moderation. If you’re concerned about gaining weight in relation to your drinking, being sure to exercise regularly and eat a balanced diet can drastically reduce your likelihood of gaining weight due to alcohol. It helps to be mindful of when you drink, what you eat when you drink, how often you drink, and what you drink. All of these are variables that can influence the correlation between alcohol and weight gain for you. Other factors to consider are your age and your genetics. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to carry more weight than others, and your age can affect your metabolism and hormone production. Both of which can impact the way your body handles fat and digestion.  

It is not empirically clear that alcohol consumption leads to weight gain, but there are factors associated with drinking alcohol that can lead to weight gain. If you’re concerned about gaining weight as a result of your drinking, be sure to drink in moderation and do your best to adopt healthy lifestyle practices like eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.