Alcohol and Weight Loss: Can You Drink Alcohol and Still Lose Weight?

Alcohol can affect the body in many ways. Certain alcohol, in moderation, has actually shown to have positive effects on the body, such as red wine. One of the negative impacts that alcohol can have on the body, though, is weight gain.

Trying to maintain a healthy weight while drinking can be a tricky thing to do, especially for those suffering from substance abuse and addiction. If you are someone who is looking to lose weight while still drinking, you might be asking yourself, “Can you drink alcohol and still lose weight?” Let’s take a look.

Alcohol Is Full of Empty Calories

Many beer and seltzer makers are trying to change the narrative that alcohol is high in calories by advertising their low-calorie products. One of the biggest reasons they are doing this is because traditionally alcohol is full of what is called “empty calories.” Empty calories are calories that have no nutritional value and tend to make you feel full even if you aren’t.

Since alcohol can’t actually be stored by the body, the empty calories in alcohol are even worse for you. In fact, the average 12-ounce beer contains 155 calories, while even the healthier alternative of red wine contains 125 calories in a 5-ounce glass. The more empty calories that the body takes in, the more fat it produces.

Additionally, many people enjoy mixing juices or sodas with their liquor. These often sugary mixers also contain large amounts of empty calories to go along with the empty calories in the liquor itself. This can also contribute to excess fat and weight gain, making it hard to drink alcohol and still lose weight.

Over Time, Alcohol Can Damage Your Organs

Your liver doesn’t only filter out bad things entering your body, such as harmful substances like drugs or alcohol, but it also helps break down fats, carbs, and proteins as part of your metabolism. Over time, significant alcohol consumption can result in damage to the liver. This condition, known as an alcoholic fatty liver, can do significant damage to the liver, thus affecting the way your body breaks down and stores those carbs, fats, and proteins. These changes can result in weight gain.

Alcohol Can Lead to Poor Choices

Think about what happens after you have had a big night of drinking. If you are like most people, chances are you want some greasy and fatty foods either at the end of the night or even the next morning to try and “soak up the alcohol” and get rid of the hangover. If you were sober, you might think twice about this fast-food craving and either find a healthier alternative or skip the late-night meal altogether. However, alcohol tends to affect your decision-making and can lead to poor choices, such as that late-night fast-food run.

When you eat more junk food, especially late at night after drinking, your body doesn’t have time to properly break everything down, thus resulting in more fat storage.

Alcohol Can Play Games With Your Hormones

Alcohol intake can have negative effects on your hormone balance, especially testosterone. What does this have to do with weight gain, you may ask? Well, testosterone plays a role in the overall metabolism process, including fat-burning capabilities. As a result, someone with low testosterone levels can suffer from things like:

High blood pressure
High blood sugar levels
High cholesterol
High body mass index

All these things can directly result in weight gain, as well as trouble with losing excess weight.

Alcohol Affects Digestion

In addition to all of the problems listed above, alcohol can also negatively affect the body’s digestive system. Alcohol puts stress on the stomach and other intestines, which can lead to problems with food properly moving through the digestive tract.

Additionally, it can lead to a decrease in digestive secretions. Digestive secretions help break down food into nutrients that are then absorbed and used by the body. When you drink alcohol, it impairs the body’s ability to do that, which can affect your metabolism and, ultimately, your weight.

The “Beer Gut” Is More Than Just a Myth

For those who tend to drink a lot, especially beer drinkers, the term “beer gut” is a way to describe the change in their body as a result of the drinking. However, a “beer gut” is more than just an expression — it’s a real thing.

All those empty calories that we discussed earlier that come from alcohol get stored as fat in the body. When that happens, it can result in weight gain, typically seen in the abdominal or “gut” area. So, can you drink alcohol and still lose weight? It’s not easy.

What Can I Do to Fix My Alcohol-Induced Weight Gain?

The easiest way to counter any alcohol-related weight gain is to simply cut the alcohol out of your system and focus on living a healthier lifestyle. For those who are suffering from alcohol dependency or addiction, this is much easier said than done. Luckily, there are options out there to get the help you need for both your weight gain and your alcohol dependency or addiction, as well.

The first step in the process is to rid your body of all the alcohol and other harmful substances that have contributed to weight gain through detox. Without ridding the body of these substances, it can not truly begin to heal both inside and out.

Due to the nature of detox and the side effects associated with it, detoxing should be done under the care and supervision of trained medical professionals at either a local medical facility, a dedicated detox facility, or a treatment center that also offers detox services, such as Harmony Place. Attempting to self-detox can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

Once detox has been completed, treatment can begin. One of the more successful treatment options for those who are suffering from alcohol addiction is behavioral therapy. Through behavioral therapy, the person in treatment essentially has their brain reprogrammed so they no longer think that they need drugs (or in this case, alcohol) to function properly. At Harmony Place, we offer the following behavioral therapies:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Family therapy
Psychotherapy
Psychoeducational groups
Nutritional counseling
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
12-step facilitation therapy

While in treatment, you will also learn new and effective ways to live a healthier lifestyle, including diet and exercise. A well-balanced diet, coupled with regular physical activity, is a great way to not only lose weight but to keep it off. Additionally, surrounding yourself with a support system can be a great way to help with any alcohol cravings that might arise and help keep you motivated with things like eating well and exercising regularly.

Can You Drink Alcohol and Still Lose Weight?

Managing weight while consuming alcohol can be challenging, and the most effective and healthiest strategy to achieve sustainable weight loss involves abstaining from alcohol, maintaining a well-balanced diet, and committing to regular exercise. For those struggling with alcoholism, the impact on weight and overall health can be profound. In Los Angeles, CA, alcohol addiction treatment offers personalized programs designed to help individuals overcome these challenges. By providing comprehensive support, including Cigna alcohol rehab treatment and various health insurance options, Harmony Place is dedicated to guiding patients toward a healthier lifestyle.

Uncontrolled weight gain resulting from excessive alcohol consumption often signals a deeper issue of alcohol dependence. Addressing this early on is crucial not only for successful weight management but also for preventing serious health complications associated with alcoholism. At Harmony Place, we take BCBS insurance and accept Aetna plans, ensuring a broad range of insurance coverages to support those seeking help. Our programs emphasize the importance of holistic well-being, encouraging clients to rediscover a balanced and fulfilling life free from the grips of alcohol addiction.

Taking the step to seek treatment for alcohol-related weight gain and health concerns can significantly enhance your quality of life. Harmony Place provides a supportive environment with access to comprehensive alcohol rehab insurance coverage, including Optum and Anthem insurance. Understanding the average cost of alcohol addiction treatment and exploring payment options for alcohol recovery treatment can relieve financial stress, allowing you to focus on your health. By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of alcohol addiction, Harmony Place helps clients not only lose weight but also achieve lasting recovery and improved overall well-being.

At Harmony Place, we want everyone that comes to see us to get the help that they need and to go on to live a happy, healthy, and sober life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve those goals.