Does Drinking Too Much Show on the Scales?
When it comes to weight, many of us are obsessed with the number on the scale. We try to make sure the number isn't too high, so we watch what we eat and drink. But does drinking too much alcohol affect our weight?
The short answer is yes, drinking too much alcohol can show on the scales. Alcohol contains calories that can add up quickly and can contribute to weight gain. In addition, drinking too much can also lead to dehydration, which can lead to a decrease in muscle mass, which can also cause the number on the scale to go up.
Calories in Alcohol
Alcohol has calories. In fact, it has more calories than carbohydrates or protein. A 12-ounce beer has about 153 calories, a 5-ounce glass of wine has about 123 calories, and an ounce of hard liquor has about 97 calories. While these numbers may seem small, they can add up quickly. For example, if you have four beers at a happy hour, that's 612 calories.
Dehydration
Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes your body to lose more fluid than it takes in. This can lead to dehydration, which can cause a decrease in muscle mass. When your body loses muscle mass, it can cause the number on the scale to go up.
Empty Calories
Alcoholic beverages are considered empty calories because they don't provide any nutritional value. That means you're not getting any vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients from the alcohol. So, if you're drinking alcohol instead of eating a healthy meal, you're missing out on all the nutrition that meal would provide.
Long-Term Effects
Drinking too much alcohol over a long period of time can lead to a number of health issues, including weight gain. Drinking too much can also increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as liver, breast, and colon cancer. In addition, drinking too much can also cause damage to the heart and liver.
The bottom line is that drinking too much can have an effect on the scales. It can lead to weight gain due to the calories in the alcohol and the dehydration it causes. It can also lead to long-term health issues. So, if you're concerned about your weight, it's important to pay attention to how much alcohol you're drinking.