Why does alcohol make us fat? What you should know

By Your Health Magazine

We all know that alcohol is not all that good for us. Drinking in moderation can be perfectly fine, but often we think that’s more as a result of the alcohol and the damage that can do on our liver health, mental health, or even the fact that we may become addicted.

Often we don’t consider just how much it can affect our waistline. But the fact of the matter is, alcohol can have a big impact on physical health and weight gain, and you don’t need to be a binge drinker or have an alcohol addiction for it to take effect.

But the question is, why exactly does alcohol make us fatter?

Alcohol Is High in ‘Empty’ Calories

Alcohol is calorie-dense but offers no real nutritional value. Every gram of pure alcohol contains seven calories, almost as much as fat, which contains nine calories per gram. These are what we call ‘empty’ calories: they give us energy, but without any essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals or fibre.

For example, a standard pint of beer contains around 200 calories, while a large glass of wine can be over 250. Cocktails can be even worse, a mojito or a pina colada might have as many calories as a slice of cake. Over time, those calories quickly add up, especially if you’re drinking regularly.

It Disrupts Your Metabolism

When you drink alcohol, your body prioritises processing it over everything else. That’s because alcohol is a toxin, and your liver will work to break it down before handling other nutrients. While it’s doing this, your body pauses the digestion of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.

In simple terms, alcohol puts fat-burning on hold. So if you’ve eaten a meal with your drink, your body is more likely to store that food as fat, particularly around the belly area. Over time, this can lead to increased body fat, especially if you drink frequently or in large quantities.

It Stimulates Appetite and Lowers Inhibitions

It’s no coincidence that a night of drinking often leads to overeating. Alcohol affects the parts of the brain responsible for judgement and self-control, making it harder to resist high-calorie snacks or fast food. It also increases levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin, making you feel hungrier than you actually are.

That’s why a few drinks at the pub often lead to a kebab or a bag of chips on the way home. And those extra meals, usually high in fats and salt, can undo a whole week of healthy eating in a single evening. Alcohol addiction recovery in Essex offers support to individuals for those who feel their drinking habits are becoming uncontrollable.

It Affects Your Sleep and Hormones

Poor sleep is a common side effect of drinking, and a lack of quality sleep can disrupt the hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism. When you’re tired, you’re more likely to crave sugary or fatty foods and less likely to feel satisfied after eating.

In the longer term, alcohol can also reduce testosterone levels, which plays a key role in muscle maintenance and fat distribution, in both men and women. A drop in muscle mass slows down your metabolism, making it easier to gain weight and harder to lose it.

Drinking is often tied to social habits, Friday night drinks, boozy brunches, celebrations, and we tend to underestimate how often it happens. Even if you’re not drinking to excess, regular ‘social’ drinking can become a hidden source of weight gain, especially when combined with rich meals or late-night snacks.

Being aware of your drinking patterns and how they link to your lifestyle choices can be a powerful first step in managing your weight.