How Alcohol Affects Your Weight Loss

There are several obstacles that can get in the way of your weight-loss progress. A high stress level, an unhealthy diet, a lack of motivation, alcohol consumption, and not maintaining a regular fitness routine are all factors that can derail your weight-loss journey. It’s important to understand how these issues can impact your health so you can take steps to get back on track. For example, understanding how alcohol affects weight can help you set up guidelines for alcohol intake as you move forward.  

Alcohol and Weight Loss 

In addition to eating a healthy diet packed with fresh, unprocessed foods, experts often recommend limiting alcohol intake as a tip for losing weight. The relationship between alcohol and weight loss is complex, and alcohol affects weight gain in several different ways. Here are just some of the reasons why alcohol intake should be reduced when you’re trying to lose weight: 

• Empty Calories – One of the main ways that alcohol can cause weight gain is that it is filled with so-called ‘empty calories’. Alcoholic beverages don’t provide the body with any nutritional value and tend to be very calorie-dense. They can easily put you over your typical daily calorie intake without providing any nutritional benefit. 
• Increases Appetite – Those empty calories don’t fill you up and can in fact increase your appetite. Alcohol can increase the chance of making unhealthy food choices by inhibiting judgment. It also lowers blood sugar, which often spurs cravings for foods packed with carbohydrates. 
• Alters Digestion – When alcohol enters the digestive system, normal digestive processes are put on hold to focus on breaking down the alcohol and using it as an energy source. Carbohydrates and fats are unable to be digested properly. Instead of being turned into energy, they are added to the body’s fat stores. 
• Reduces Sleep Quality – Alcohol intake can increase sleep disruptions and contribute to sleep deprivation. Research has found that poor sleep quality is associated with weight gain and an increased body mass index or BMI. 

Get Personalized Support 

It’s usually recommended that bariatric patients avoid alcohol intake following weight-loss surgery and restrict alcohol consumption after recovery. Your healthcare team can offer you specific guidance based on your medical history and individual needs. The team at Wellstar Bariatrics is available to provide personalized support during each step of your weight-loss journey, from initial consultation to follow-up appointments. Reach out today to find out how we can help.