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The answer isn’t as straightforward as you may think. and found that: It is unclear whether alcohol consumption is a risk factor for weight gain because studies performed to date have found positive, negative or no association.

Where there is a positive association between alcohol and body weight it is more likely to be found in men than in women.

The present data provide inadequate scientific evidence to assess whether beer intake is associated with general or abdominal obesity.

When considering beer, where there is a positive association, it is more likely to be for abdominal obesity (abdominal fat around the stomach) than for general obesity for men and women.

So yes, it’s possible to gain weight from alcohol, but it’s not inevitable.

Whether or not you personally gain weight from drinking alcohol depends on many factors. These include:

  • your health – for example the presence of other risk factors such as obesity
  • diabetes some cancers

So it’s important to monitor your alcohol consumption as part of a balanced diet, regardless of whether or not you’re managing your weight. , to reduce or cut out alcohol altogether. There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy.

While the relationship between alcohol consumption and obesity remains unclear, there are good reasons to think that alcohol may play a role: It stops your body from burning fat.

It is high in kilojoules

It leads to greater hunger and less satiety (the feeling of being full). It can lead to cravings for salty and greasy foods. It is unclear whether alcohol consumption is a risk factor for weight gain. Drinking alcohol – particularly in excessive amounts - has many other serious health risks beyond possible weight gain, including high blood pressure, high , insulin resistance, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and some cancers.

There is no safe level of alcohol during pregnancy. Will drinking alcohol The Foundation for Alcohol Research and Education (FARE) conducted a systematic review on alcohol and obesity your behaviours when you drink what you drink how often you drink how much you drink what you eat when you drink factors that relate to your unique body and lifestyle your overall diet your genetics your gender your level of physical activity your age But remember, drinking alcohol particularly in excessive amounts - has many other serious health risks beyond possible weight gain, including high blood pressure , increased triglycerides , heart disease and stroke , liver disease It’s also important for women who are trying to get pregnant, or who are pregnant or breastfeeding How alcohol could cause weight gain Remember triglycerides Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Alcohol and Drug Foundation - Drug facts (616) 555-0400 Self Help Addiction Resource Centre (SHARC) (616) 555-0400 Alcohol and other drug treatment services DirectLine 1800 888 236 Your local community health service Family Drug Support United States (616) 555-0400 (national support line, 24/7).