Five reasons booze makes you put on weight
When it comes to thinking about alcohol, our weight is never normally too far behind. After a big night on the town we often think about how bad we’ve been, particularly if a few drinks have turned into a takeaway on the way home too.
The truth is, our weight and how much alcohol we drink are intrinsically linked. We’ve all heard of a beer belly and we’ve all felt that bit heavier after a weekend of drinking. What’s more, for those living with alcohol addiction, it can have a significany impact on our health and weight for the worse, and it’s well worth assessing if you are concerned about how much you weigh.
For many of us, though, we’re not quite sure as to why booze has such an impact on our weight. But it’s important to understand the links in order to address alcohol and your weight. So, why does alchol make you put on weight?
Empty Calories Add Up Quickly
Alcohol is calorie-dense yet nutritionally void, meaning it provides energy without offering any vitamins, minerals, or essential nutrients. A standard pint of beer contains around 200 calories, and a single glass of wine is often close to 150 calories. Cocktails, especially those with sugary mixers like syrups, fruit juices, or fizzy drinks, can reach up to 500 calories per glass. These numbers quickly add up, particularly during a night out or a prolonged drinking session. Over time, the extra calories from alcohol consumption can lead to an energy surplus, which is stored as fat.
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Alcohol Slows Down Fat Burning
When you consume alcohol, your body prioritises metabolising it over other macronutrients like fat and carbohydrates. This is because the liver treats alcohol as a toxin that needs to be broken down and removed from the body. While this process is underway, the breakdown of fats and other energy sources takes a backseat. As a result, dietary fats and excess carbohydrates are more likely to be stored rather than burned, promoting weight gain.
Increased Appetite and Poor Food Choices
Alcohol is known to stimulate appetite, which is why pub snacks like crisps, chips, and peanuts seem particularly irresistible after a few drinks. Scientific studies suggest that alcohol affects the brain’s hypothalamus, the region that controls hunger, making you feel hungrier than usual. Moreover, alcohol lowers your inhibitions, which can lead to poor decision-making around food. Instead of sticking to healthier options, you might find yourself reaching for greasy takeaway meals or calorie-laden comfort foods.
Impact on Hormones
Drinking alcohol can disrupt the balance of hormones involved in metabolism, appetite regulation, and fat storage. For example, alcohol consumption reduces the production of leptin, a hormone responsible for signalling fullness to the brain. At the same time, it can increase cortisol levels, a stress hormone linked to increased fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen. This hormonal disruption not only contributes to weight gain but can also make it more challenging to lose weight over time.
Hidden Sugar and Carbohydrates
While spirits like vodka, gin, and whisky may have relatively low calorie counts on their own, they’re often paired with mixers high in sugar. Tonic water, cola, and other fizzy drinks significantly increase the caloric and sugar content of your drink. Even wines and beers, which don’t require mixers, often contain hidden sugars and carbohydrates. These sugars can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and cravings for more sugary or starchy foods. Over time, the combination of high sugar intake and reduced metabolic efficiency due to alcohol can contribute to weight gain.