Uncovering the Link Between Alcohol and Weight Gain
Do you like to indulge in a drink or two after a long day? You’re not alone. In fact, alcohol is one of the most commonly consumed substances in the world. But what you may not know is that it can also have a major impact on your weight.
Recent studies have shown a clear link between alcohol and weight gain. In fact, alcohol consumption is one of the leading causes of obesity worldwide. So, what’s the story? Is alcohol really to blame for our expanding waistlines? And if so, what can we do about it?
Keep reading to find out more about the link between alcohol and weight gain—and what you can do to stay healthy and trim.
What Is the Impact of Alcohol on Weight Gain?
New research has found a direct link between alcohol and weight gain.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge studied the drinking habits of almost 500,000 people and discovered that those who drink more than five standard drinks a week are more likely to put on weight than those who don’t drink at all. In fact, for every 10 grams of alcohol consumed per day, the risk of obesity goes up by 7%.
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| Uncovering the Link Between Alcohol and Weight Gain |
This is worrying news for those of us who like to indulge in a drink or two (or three) on a regular basis. But it’s not just our waistlines that are at risk. Excessive alcohol consumption can also lead to health problems such as liver disease, cancer and heart disease.
How Much Alcohol Can You Drink Without Gaining Weight?
The answer to this question is honestly, it depends. The American Dietetic Association (ADA) says that you can enjoy alcohol in moderation without weight gain. What this means is that you can have one drink per day and not see a change in your weight. However, if you have more than one drink per day, you’re at an increased risk for weight gain.
Keep in mind that alcohol contains a lot of calories—7 calories per gram, to be exact. This is more than double the amount of calories in protein or carbohydrates, so those extra drinks can quickly add up and sabotage your diet.
What Types of Alcohol Are Better for Avoiding Weight Gain?
When it comes to alcohol and weight gain, there are a few things to keep in mind. Namely, not all alcoholic drinks are created equal.
There are some types of alcohol that are better for avoiding weight gain. These include light beers, dry wines and clear liquors such as vodka or gin. These drinks have a lower calorie count and less sugar than other types of booze, like sweet wines or heavier beers.
If you’re looking to avoid weight gain, it’s best to stick to these lower calorie drinks. But remember, even with these options, it’s important to drink in moderation. Excessive drinking can still lead to weight gain, regardless of the type of alcohol you choose.
What Are Some Strategies for Limiting the Impact of Alcohol on Your Diet?
The unfortunate truth is that alcohol does affect your weight—but there are some ways for you to minimize the impact. Here are some tips for drinking smarter:
– Drink in moderation. Stick to the United States Department of Agriculture’s guidelines of having no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.
– Alternate your alcoholic drinks with water or sparkling water with a splash of flavor. This will help keep you hydrated and fill you up so you don’t go overboard with drinking calories.
– Choose low-calorie alcoholic options like lighter beer, wine spritzers, or vodka soda.
– Mindful consumption. If you know that having more than two drinks leads to extra snacking, commit to setting a limit beforehand and leave the rest at the bar (or better yet, don’t even order it!).
FAQs About Drinking and Weight Gain
It’s no surprise that alcohol and weight gain go hand-in-hand. But how exactly does it happen? Here are some of the commonly asked questions to help you better understand the connection between alcohol and weight gain.
Q: How much alcohol is considered safe?
A: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend men consume no more than two drinks per day and women no more than one. It’s important to keep in mind that the recommendations are for adults over 21 and are for healthy individuals, not those with existing health issues or those pregnant or nursing.
Q: Does drinking alcohol make it harder to lose weight?
A: Since alcohol provides calories but contains absolutely no essential nutrients, it can lead to short-term weight gain. On top of that, regular drinking can suppress your body’s ability to burn fat and affect your overall metabolism over time.
Q: Does drinking after a workout counteract all my efforts?
A: Yes. Drinking after a workout can undo any progress you made during your workout, as it slows down digestion and slows down your body’s ability to burn fat efficiently in the long run.
Conclusion
So, while the research linking alcohol and weight gain is far from conclusive, there does seem to be a correlation – and it’s one worth exploring if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight. If you’re worried about the effect alcohol may be having on your waistline, try tracking your intake for a week and seeing how your weight compares to days when you don’t drink. And if you do drink, try to stick to light beers or wines, and avoid cocktails and sugary mixers.