How alcohol increases body fat? Answered in less than 100 words

Drinking alcohol often or in excess is associated with weight gain. This is not simply due to the energy content of alcohol but also due to the affect it has on metabolism. Let me explain quickly in less than 100 words...

When you drink alcohol it passes very quickly from the stomach to the blood then to the liver where it's converted to acetate, a readily available energy source. Acetate's use as a fuel takes priority over that of all others available and as a result fat and carbohydrate metabolism slows down. This decrease in fat and carbohydrate metabolism results in less body fat stores being burnt to provide energy and more dietary carbohydrate and fat being stored as body fat. The more alcohol consumed, more acetate available and greater the impact on carbohydrate and fat metabolism and weight control. 

With an understanding of this metabolic affect  it's clear that reducing the total energy intake (from alcohol, carbohydrate and fat) while drinking alcohol is important for weight control - not just reducing alcohol alone. Continue reading here for 7 tips to lower energy intake while drinking.


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