The association between alcohol intake and weight gain is still a subject of debate. Alcohol provides 7.3 calories per gram, almost as much as one gram of fat. So it is not dietetic in any way.

However some research studies have shown that the moderate consumption of alcohol is not associated with weight gain and can even lead to a small weight loss in women. The reason for this is not clear, although it has been hypothesised that alcohol, when consumed in moderation, can: 1) increase the rate of metabolism (which plays an important role in weight loss and maintenance); 2) reduce appetite and sugar consumption.

However not all agree with these findings and conclusions, since alcohol is always a source of extra unwanted calories, whether or not it reduces appetite or increases metabolism. And on the other hand it is well known that heavy drinkers are often overweight or obese, or at least they have a fatty belly (the so called beer belly). So, when in excess, alcohol does make gain weight, as well as it can lead to other more serious health problems.

Perhaps it would be better focus the problem on how much alcohol can be safely drunk without any undesirable effect on weight and health, rather than asking ourselves whether alcohol is fattening or not. Well, in this respect, it appears that the key is moderation. But, what does moderation mean?

A moderate amount of alcohol means no more than two drinks a day for a man and no more than one drink a day for a woman, where a drink is equivalent to a 12-ounce bottle or can of regular beer, a 5-ounce glass of dinner wine or a standard shot (1.5 ounces) of liquor or spirits. It is important to note that these are recommended limits for those who drink. If you don't drink, keep it that way. Although many people state that certain types of alcoholic drinks, such as red wine, can provide health benefits (and this fact is supported by research), this doesn't mean that you should start drinking alcohol! You can get the same heath benefits from eating much fruit or drinking non-alcoholic beverages such as green tea.

In any case, it is important to remember that alcohol does provide calories. And these calories can add considerably to the daily calorie count: it is enough to say that a typical alcoholic drink provides about 100 to 150 calories, regardless of the type. So, if you want to lose weight without giving up drinking, keep this fact in mind. It will be helpful to you to moderate your alcohol consumption and achieve more easily your weight loss goals.

Well, Nice hub and from my experiance, I was drinking 6 to 8 low cal beers a night. i have gained 12 pounds in the past month. Doesn't sound like much but my cloths don't fit! If you cant limit your drinking to 1 or 2 a day. My advice is to just stay away from it all week and break a little loose on a Saturday nite! Drinking makes me hungry. Thats a two edge sword.

I always knew that alchool contribute to gaining weight. Beside this alchol has alot of side effects that have do not be neglected.

You are right, I believe the moderate amount for alcohol consumption is two drinks per day for males and one drink per day for females. However, it is not wise to think that no drinking on the weekdays will enable you to drink 10 or 15 drinks on the weekends. There are ways to cut down on the calories on the weekends without binge drinking. For example, I usually just drink max 2 drinks of vodka mixed with diet soda. That way you can have fun and save calories too.

Yes its true, alcohol does make you put on weight, especially if you are regular alcohol drinkers. Try to limit your intake of alcohol, also, drinking a glass of water in between drinks helps.