11 Things That Make You Gain Belly Fat

This study, however, did not control for PA levels and only assessed alcohol intake on a yes/no scale [42]. Moreover, whether a dieter should be able to manage moderate alcohol consumption depends on its contribution to their daily calorie intake. It is hard to stay on even a moderately low-calorie diet and eat enough protein, carbohydrates, fruit, vegetables, and dairy products to meet one’s daily nutrient needs.

Foods With Empty Calories, Plus 8 Healthier Swaps

This means it has calories (7 per gram versus 4 per gram for carbohydrate and protein) but no nutrients. 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. Remember that when you drink alcohol, you are replacing potentially healthy, and filling, food with calories that will not fill you up. If you are trying to lose weight, you can boost your efforts by cutting back on alcoholic drinks. Some mixed drinks can contain as many calories as a meal, but without the nutrients.

• If you’re struggling to lose excess weight, quitting drinking is an effective way to improve your weight loss attempts.
• If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider.
• Drinking alcohol with diabetes medicine, especially on an empty stomach, may cause low blood sugar.

Remember: Alcohol is a source of empty calories

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, does alcohol make you gain weight 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]. There have also been recent studies that have found a general positive association between alcohol intake and weight gain [42].

• A high alcohol intake may cause weight gain by increasing your calorie intake and appetite.
• As a result, people with diabetes may need to practice caution with alcohol.
• This can inflame the stomach lining, leading to irritation and bloating that can last a few days.
• Alcohol inhibits fat oxidation, suggesting that frequent alcohol consumption could lead to fat sparing, and thus higher body fat in the long term [62].

How alcohol could cause weight gain

• If you’re feeling bloated while drinking alcohol, switch over to drinking water.
• The morning after a night of over-imbibing can cause some temporary effects on your brain.
• But alcohol contains 7 cal per gram, almost double the amount (1).

In particular, the body slows down the chemical reactions that break down (or “burn”) fat. Many things affect metabolism, such as your genetics, age, overall health, and muscle mass. What you eat or drink can also affect your metabolism — and that includes alcohol. Metabolism is a term used to describe all chemical reactions that take place within the body each day to create energy. If your body creates more energy than average in a given day, then you have a higher metabolism. If your body creates less energy, then you have a lower metabolism.

Medical Professionals

• “If somebody is getting hungover the next day, the chances of them waking up and having a healthy lifestyle [are slim],” Simon says.
• Some people say alcohol consumption causes weight gain, and others say that’s a myth.
• In fact, drinking water before, during, and after drinking alcohol can help prevent its inflammatory effects on the body.
• Heavy drinking can also lead to a host of health concerns, like brain damage, heart disease, cirrhosis of the liver and even certain kinds of cancer.
• Additionally, research indicates that the majority of children and adults do not meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.
• The effects on your body will be more pronounced, potentially leading to internal organ damage and other medical conditions.

How Alcohol Can Contribute to Weight Gain