Weight gain associated with alcohol consumption
Women of a normal weight who consume moderate amounts of alcohol are less likely to pile on the pounds than non-drinkers, new findings suggest.Research published in the journal Archives of Internal Medicine indicate that moderate drinkers have a lower risk of having a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or over than their teetotal counterparts.
The study revealed an "inverse association between alcohol intake and risk of becoming overweight or obese" for all four types of alcoholic beverages - red wine, white wine, beer and liquor.
"Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the role of alcohol intake and alcohol metabolism in energy balance and to identify behavioural, physiological and genetic factors that may modify the alcohol effects."
Experts advise that like fizzy drinks, fruit juices and creamy coffees, alcoholic beverages contains liquid calories and can stimulate appetite, encouraging people on weight loss diets to snack on unhealthy foods such as crisps and nuts.
