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

October 25, 2021

Harmony Place Team

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 integrated 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.

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Chris P

I've been to 12 rehabs over the last 20 years and NO other place has touch like Harmony Place! From the owner right down to the cleaning lady, everyone here is kinda and warm. God has blessed this place and I feel privileged to have come through here. I recommend anyone who is going through their struggle with mental health or substance abuse to pick up the phone and come! You won't regret it!

Joseph S

This place is incredible, kind, loving, patient, rigorous, educative, caring and the best place for recovery. Ill be part of the alumni crew

Monica G

I had very good experience at Harmony Place From first day I came, staff was very kind and make me feel welcome and safe. Everyone was friendly and always try to help me. The therapists are very good and caring. They listen to me and help me understand my problems better. I learn many things from them and feel stronger because of their support. The nurses also very nice and professional. They always check on me and make sure I am okay. Food was good and facilities were clean and comfortable. It help me feel more relaxed and focus on my recovery. Management also doing very good job. Everything was organized and you can see they really care about patients. I am very thankful for this place and all the people who work here. I recommend this center to anyone who needs help.

Denton

Awesome place great people u want to check this place out most definitely 😜

Tyler

A treatment center where the owners truly care about your recovery and after care.. cannot recommend enough

Jodana S

If you want to detox painlessly this is the place! The staff is A1. They truly care about us. The groups are awesome . Residential is crazy awesome! You live in a mansion. With a private chef who makes the best food. Community meeting that gets results fast, they care about your opinions. Pool and Jacuzzi are beautiful. If your struggling with addiction this is the house you should come to. I LOVE HARMONY PLACE!!!!! Thank you to all the staff they go above and beyond to make this experience comfortable therapeutic. Don't spend another day in your addiction come to Harmony Place right now!

Cass

I’ve been to 4 treatment centers before Harmony Place, and I can tell you without a single doubt that this is the absolute best by FAR. The past ones were luxury Residential Treatment centers that just treated every single client the same not tailoring to each individual, and were basically just in it for the money, dropping the ball each time. I can also tell you that I’ve never met the CEOs, but here, David comes to the facility almost every single day, and makes sure he get to know every individual here. He is incredibly kind, and was even willing to transfer me to another facility with a higher level of trauma therapy due to me having a lifetime of trauma and PTSD that just is going to take a long time to tackle. He truly cares about all of the clients having all of the tools that we need before getting released to the real world. No more of other CEO would ever be willing to miss an opportunity at making more money and even paired with my IMPECCABLE case manager to find a different facility that was more trauma based. My case manager, Sam, goes absolutely above and beyond in every single aspect. She makes sure you have a smooth transition into aftercare, provides out of this world advice when it comes to sobriety, and takes the time out of her day to make sure that FMLA and short-term disability are completely taken care of during your stay. I’ve never met a case manager that could ever compare to Sam. Ever. I feel lucky to have met her, genuinely. Marissa, my therapist, is SO SWEET, actually listens to you, and provides advice and therapy tailored to each individual’s experience. She’s handled every mood I’ve been in, never judged me, and allowed me to feel safe enough to tell her things I’ve never told any person or therapist in my 29 years of life. I’ve been going to therapy for the past 15 years, and none of those therapists even come close to how amazing she is. I’ve been to 4 other treatment centers in my life and none even come close to Harmony Place. The facility is clean, organized, and high-end. I would recommend Harmony place to my family, friends, and anyone seeking treatment. I feel SO BLESSED to have landed in their hands. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE IN THE CLINICAL STAFF BEYOND WORDS. I love you guys ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️. I feel more confident than ever in my Recovery.

Gabe H

Where to begin.. Harmony is a place that will forever be a part of my story as the first step in my recovery journey. I’m so grateful for this program. The staff is very friendly, and many of them understand what addiction is like, for they themselves have recovery stories of their own. They have an awesome team of therapists, group facilitators, nurses, RA technicians, medical and health professionals, a wonderful case manager for aftercare that cares deeply for your next steps; making sure you are set up for success. They have a wonderful admissions team (shoutout to Marielle who was so kind and understanding of my messed up situation). Everyone is very relatable and friendly. They invest heavily in the importance of diet and nutrition too - there’s a full time professional chef. I gained all the weight I lost and wanted back in the first two weeks lol. On top of the intensive programming they do throughout the day, they take us out to experience various kinds of outside groups to get a taste of the real world, and also take us on social outings during the weekend. If you’re serious about getting better this place will meet you where you’re at and prepare you to launch with a renewed mind and heart.

Monica P

I can't begin to explain just how amazing Harmony Place is. In fact, when we sit down with the owner, Jeff, and clinical director, David, on Monday mornings to have a house meeting, they ask us what they could be doing better. A bigger blender for smoothies is the ONLY thing we could come up with. Let me begin by addressing some negative reviews. If you notice many of them are from people, or are referring to people who have been asked to leave. It is because of harmony places protection of their clients that provide ideal conditions for healing and progress. There is a screening process that it is implemented where they make sure the clients they admit are ready to start a life of sobriety. Some people slip through the cracks. Some people find out a few days or weeks in that they've changed their minds. Some are inappropriate and break rules. It happens. When Harmony Place ask people to leave, It's because they are protecting the people who are here that want treatment. In effect, they're providing exactly what I needed for a genuine start to recovery. When I began my search for a treatment center, my requirements were that the facility's provide an environment in which its residents all want to be there and that it is ethically ran. I got that and so much more at Harmony Place. As well as a structured routine, they also provide a confidential and nurturing environment where one feels safe and where profound healing can begin. Their program offers a sound foundation where further progress in sober living is almost guaranteed. In group meetings, we enjoy getting to know ourselves again and with deeper understanding about why we are the way we are. We are provided with skills to handle real life. Its here that I've come to understand that its not addiction that has driven me to make a mess of my life. It is the trauma that I endured and not processing it correctly that lead to poor thinking patterns that opened the door to addiction resulting in poor life management. So we start at the bottom. Trauma. They help us understand that trauma has led to our own toxicity, what that trauma looks like and how to get out of our own way. Process groups help us learn how to take accountability and foster healthier relationships. I learned here that changing the way I think is absolutely possible and imperative to the healing process. Harmony Place offered me hope when I previously felt I was unfixable and a support team that truly loves me. Even after I leave here, I have contacts that almost demand I keep in touch and an alumni meeting where I can return to the facility on Thursday nights. I wasn't a 12 stepper when I came here but my first experience with it was not one where I was ready to stop using. I understand now that the steps will work for me. It's certainly is not the only modality that they teach. In one group, we are provided an opportunity to sit with a recently retired medical doctor to just ask questions. Another is with a nutritionist. There are a handful of people IN recovery that come to lead groups that are all accredited highly specialized where I felt understood and not judged. The knowledge I have gained here is life changing. It is also versatile and relatable for all types of people. my favorite group was dialectical behavioral therapy. There are breathing classes and sound bath groups and I started doing yoga in the morning. There's a dharma meeting they take you offsite that focuses on Buddhist values. A fantastic onsight chef provides three meals and you can have special requests. We facilitated our own Movie nights during free time. I cant forget to mention you get your own one on one meetings with your assigned primary therapist and there is comprehensive medical support complete with 24/7 nurses and a doctor that shows up throughout the week. If this is what you need to recover and you have mediCAL, cancel your mediCAL and get insurance Harmony Place accepts if you can. There are people to help you with that as well. Just call. Many, many thanks to the staff. ✔️Another life changed.🙏

Cody B

This is such an amazing place truly changed my life. I would recommend this place to anybody if they’re looking for a strong recovery house that truly cares about your recovery and not about just money So if you’re ready to change your life, don’t miss out on the greatness of harmony because this place is where it’s at