The Skinny on Alcohol: How Drinking Leads to Weight Gain

Times have changed from a reported 70 per cent of people drinking more than usual¹ during COVID to consumers now turning their head to non-alcoholic options with low and non-alcohol drinks projected to increase by 30 per cent by 2024².

 

For those unswayed by the no or less alcohol bandwagon, Happy Healthy You Naturopath Lauren Jane breaks down how alcohol can hinder weight loss.

 

“Just one and a half drinks can blunt your fat burning by 75 per cent,” Lauren said.

 

“The liver helps break down fatty acids to be processed for energy, however when you drink alcohol, you become dehydrated and in turn, your kidney function is impaired which means the liver needs to jump in for support, leaving it unable to retain the same potential for fat burning.”

 

It’s no surprise alcoholic drinks are high in sugar but add to it the biological impact it has on our bodies; alcohol is one of the worst culprits for inhibiting weight loss. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

 

“When drinking, our bodies do not metabolise sugars and fats in the same way. The food in our system preferentially goes to fat storage because alcohol is first used for energy,” Lauren said.

 

“Excessive alcohol consumption also depletes our liver’s stores of glutathione, an antioxidant that helps neutralise the toxic effects of alcohol; without it, we feel hungover, and this leads many of us to make poor food choices which causes weight gain.

 

“Alcohol also has depressant effects, which come from the neurotransmitter GABA. When we drink, we use up more GABA causing us to have less when we go to sleep meaning it’s likely to be more disruptive. Sleep helps our body recover so when alcohol is thrown in the mix which can also impact the human growth hormone, testosterone and oestrogen, it becomes a perfect cocktail to blunt our fat burning.

 

Alcohol is a way of life, and Happy Healthy You understands it can be difficult to turn down a glass of wine at social gatherings or celebrations. For Lauren – moderation is key.

 

“As with most balanced diets, drink moderately. My suggestion is to opt for a very low-sugar alcoholic beverage and be sure to have a wholesome low-calorie meal such as veggies and white fish if you are to drink more regularly.

 

“It’s not easy going cold turkey so embrace it when you must and enjoy the moment.”

 

Liver health is key to thousands of metabolic functions every day. Happy Healthy You’s, Happy Liver is a combination of herbal medicines and nutrients designed to support healthy liver function.

 

Happy Healthy You also offers a free eight-week eating plan to help women plan their meals. The company’s online community also offers free advice, support and encouragement via its private Facebook groups.

 

For more information about the clinics or to book a consultation, please visit: https://happyhealthyyou.com.au/

 

ABOUT HAPPY HEALTHY YOU

Happy Healthy You is an Australian-based health and lifestyle company, established by Olympian, Lisa Curry and Naturopath and Author, Jeff Butterworth, to provide Australian women with information and natural alternatives to hormonal imbalance.


By Happy Healthy You naturopath Lauren Jane