Although there are several proven benefits to consuming a glass of red wine a day, if your goal is to lose weight, your casual drinking habits may be preventing you from shedding those unwanted extra pounds.

Packing in the fat

The infamous beer belly is not directly the result of the calories in beer. Alcohol has a profound effect on your body’s ability to burn fat. When alcohol is broken down by the liver, it produces a chemical known as acetone. When high levels of acetone are present, the body uses them for energy instead of burning fat as fuel. This shift in energy use leaves you burning less fat and putting it into storage until the acetone levels normalize. Combining alcohol with a high fat meal is especially detrimental to your body. That late night burger and fries or pizza slice with your friends is like digesting a dinosaur when you factor in the effect of alcohol.

Reduces testosterone levels

Alcohol can reduce testosterone levels for up to 24 hours after consumption. Women need testosterone too. It helps maintain your muscle mass which keeps your resting metabolism high. Low testosterone levels are also often also associated with increased abdominal fat.

Increased Appetite

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition that alcohol served before a meal increased appetite far more than a simple carbohydrate based drink. Another study in Demark found that when given beer to drink with a meal, men ate more than when offered a soft drink.

At the end of the day, it is important to understand the effects on your body. If you choose to drink, it’s best to do it in moderation and stick with red wine. If, however, your goal is to shed pounds, alcohol may be the factor that is holding you back.

To learn more, please contact our Oakville clinic, located in the heart of Bronte Village, for details.