Caloric Intake:
Alcohol is relatively high in calories (7 calories per gram compared to 4 calories per gram for carbs and protein). Excessive alcohol consumption can contribute to an overall increase in caloric intake. If the total caloric intake exceeds the body’s energy needs, the excess calories from alcohol and other sources may be stored as fat.
Effects on Nutrient Metabolism:
This is the BIG one! The metabolism of alcohol can affect the way the body handles other nutrients. For example, the body prioritizes metabolizing alcohol over other macronutrients. So whenever alcohol is present in the body, storage of fats increases because the body is less efficient at burning them for energy.
Insulin Sensitivity:
Chronic alcohol consumption may impact insulin sensitivity, potentially leading to an increased storage of glucose as fat. Alcohol can disrupt glucose metabolism (how your body uses carbohydrates), leading to higher levels of circulating glucose, which, when not utilized for energy, will be stored as fat.
Increased Appetite:
Some studies suggest that alcohol may increase appetite, leading to higher food consumption. Overeating, especially if it involves high-fat and high-calorie foods, can of course then contribute to the storage of excess calories as body fat.
Changes in Fat Metabolism:
Alcohol metabolism can alter the way the body processes and stores fats. It may lead to an increase in the production of fatty acids, which, if not used for energy, can be stored in adipose tissue.
Different Carbohydrate Metabolism:
Alcoholis a carbohydrate, but it’s converted into glucose differently than other carbohydrates. Instead, it’s converted into fatty acids and thus is likely to be stored as body fat.