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Vodka vs Your Waistline: The Bitter Truth About Alcohol and Weight Gain

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Some studies have also shown that drinking alcohol can increase your appetite in the short term, causing you to eat more Alcoholics Anonymous than you otherwise would (4). Before menopause, women typically store fat around the hips and thighs. But after menopause, declining oestrogen levels shift fat storage toward the abdominal area.

Can Make You Feel Hungry

  • If you drink alcohol, it often triggers hunger, leading to the consumption of extra calories, such as an additional slice of pizza or a bag of chips.
  • If your goal is to be able to still drink and get skinny, then you’re going to need to pick the healthiest alcoholic beverages.
  • Drinking beer can cause weight gain of any type — including belly fat.

Some studies even suggest red wine may have slight metabolic benefits due to its antioxidants. But that only applies in moderation, more than a glass or two, and those benefits disappear quickly. Bloating from alcohol is often temporary and caused by inflammation, carbonation, or gut imbalances (especially from yeast or sugar in drinks). Belly fat, on the other hand, builds up over time and won’t go away with just a good night’s sleep — it takes dietary and lifestyle changes to shift it. You don’t have to give up your wine with dinner, but try to avoid daily drinking, binge sessions, or high-calorie drinks like cocktails or beer. Swapping in a lower-calorie option (like red wine over beer) and setting a weekly drink limit can make a real difference.

How do sugary mixers impact the calorie count and potential for weight gain?

Results of these studies have been varied and do not provide a clear picture. Several studies have found no association or a negative association between alcohol intake and changes in weight, BMI or other measures of adiposity 12, 30, 32–39. Other studies have found such an association only in women, while finding a positive association between obesity risk and alcohol intake in men 40. This study, however, did not specify the amount of alcohol intake, and did not control for participant’s physical activity (PA) levels 40. Conversely, one study found no association between alcohol intake and increases in WC in men, but a small positive association in women 41.

can drinking vodka make you gain weight

How Can Drinking Alcohol Make You Gain Weight?

Along with that, it can also disrupt sleep and can drinking vodka make you gain weight testosterone production, increasing weight gain. To reduce weight avoiding binge drinking can be a crucial first step toward weight loss. The effects on your body will be more pronounced, potentially leading to internal organ damage and other medical conditions.

can drinking vodka make you gain weight

There is no way to determine where excess body fat will accumulate. People have said drinking too much beer can give you a larger stomach (or a “beer belly”), but there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. When crafting your drinks, remember to adhere to specific portion sizes. It’s not just about monitoring the size of your drinks but also the quantity of your food.

  • Studies show that alcohol consumption can disrupt sleep patterns, which can indirectly contribute to weight gain by affecting hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism.
  • To keep the calorie count as low as possible, avoid mixers and added sugar when possible.
  • See if you can pour smaller glasses, too, to reduce portion sizes even more.
  • In order to drink alcohol while cutting back on calories, you need to plan it into your daily calorie count so you do not go over.

Consuming high-calorie alcoholic beverages can be especially problematic. Overall, it is important to remember that alcohol can significantly contribute to weight gain. By cutting back on alcoholic drinks and avoiding high-calorie mixers, you can control your calorie intake and reduce your risk of weight gain. Furthermore, drinking can suppress the body’s ability to burn fat, which leads to a higher calorie intake and a greater chance of weight gain. When we are dehydrated, our bodies retain water and salt, leading to an increase in body weight. It can make you crave unhealthy foods or make you less likely to eat healthy, calorie-controlled meals.

Weight loss and metabolism: What you need to know

  • Still, there are a few things you may want to know about alcohol intake and body composition if you think drinking may affect your weight.
  • You’ve likely considered what you’re eating, what you’re not eating and of course, how much you’re moving.
  • That’s compared to beer, which has the same serving size but 13 grams of sugar per serving!
  • Regular physical activity can help to offset the effects of alcohol on your metabolism and weight.
  • Alcohol’s interference with nutrient absorption can significantly impact metabolism and overall health.

Red wine contains resveratrol, an antioxidant compound that may fight disease and has been linked to heart benefits when consumed in moderation (10). Enjoying a glass of wine every other weekend is unlikely to lead to weight gain and may, on the contrary, offer protective benefits against cardiovascular problems and diabetes. Additionally, Project 90 addresses the hidden costs of continued drinking. According to the Alcohol Lost Money Calculator, heavy drinking can cost individuals at least $50,000 a year.

Many people tend to overeat or snack on unhealthy foods when they drink, which further contributes to weight gain. The combination of slowed fat metabolism and overeating while drinking can make it harder to maintain or lose weight, even if you’re consuming relatively low-calorie alcoholic beverages like vodka. However, a clear cause-and-effect association between alcohol intake and weight gain is not apparent based on the mixed and conflicting available evidence on the topic. Given that both excessive alcohol intake and obesity are of public health concern, a better understanding of the association between alcohol consumption and excess body weight is warranted.

It’s not simply about the calories in the drink itself, but also about how alcohol affects your body’s metabolism and behavior. Men tend to drink more than https://jesusanibalgomez.edu.co/can-you-drink-beer-on-blood-thinners-safety-tips/ women, which can result in more weight gain. Drinking alcohol can also lower levels of the male sex hormone testosterone, increasing their risk of belly fat.

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About the Author:

Stuart Bahn is a professional guitarist and guitar teacher in London, England. He is the creator of the digital course Be A Guitar Teacher to help aspiring guitarists build careers as freelance guitar teachers. He is also the author of several apps for musicians, including 'Music Theory - Chords in Keys' and 'Guitar Fretboard Trainer'
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