Does Quitting Alcohol Have Weight Loss Benefits?
Quitting alcohol is no easy feat. However, when you do cut out alcohol use, you get more than just a clearer head and fewer hangovers, you may just loss excess weight.
One of the major health benefits of giving up drinking is a healthier body weight. Alcohol has a high-calorie count.
When consumed in excess, these extra calories can add to weight gain.
Additionally, drinking alcohol makes it easier for people to make impulsive decisions, such as eating making unhealthy food choices.
If you struggle with an addiction to alcohol, Zinnia Health is here to help. We provide comprehensive therapy services in inpatient and outpatient facilities that can start you toward recovery. If you think you or someone you care about has an alcohol problem, don’t wait another day to do something about it. Contact one of our addiction specialists today by calling our free alcohol addiction hotline at (855) 430-9439.
What Happens When You Quit Drinking to Your Weight?
When you quit alcohol you will improve your metabolism including quitting consuming excess calories that would have contributed to your weight gain.
Alcohol has very little nutritional value. However, it does contain a substantial amount of calories. These calories can give an immediate energy source that does not provide any potential benefits to the body.
Abstaining from alcohol can help you reach your weight loss goals by reducing the number of calories you consume and improving your metabolism.
Cutting out alcohol also helps reduce cravings for unhealthy foods, as drinking is often associated with snacking or overeating.
How Much Weight Can You Lose by Quitting Drinking?
How much weight you can lose by quitting drinking depends on the individual.
Factors such as age, activity level, diet, and frequency of alcohol consumption all affect the amount of weight an individual can expect to lose by cutting out drinking.
However, the number of empty calories in alcohol can add up quickly.
A 12-ounce beer contains about 150 calories, and a 5-ounce glass of wine has around 100 calories.
So, if you cut out drinking one beer each day, you could save 1,050 empty calories per week.
If weight loss is one of your goals, quitting alcohol can help you reach it, but making other healthy lifestyle changes is just as important.
Eating healthy foods like lots of veggies is essential for achieving short-term and long-term results.
Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding snacks high in sugar or unhealthy fats will help you maintain a healthy weight.
How Quickly Will I Lose Weight if I Stop Drinking Alcohol?
The amount of weight you can expect to lose by quitting drinking depends on a variety of factors, including your activity level and diet.
However, if you’re exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet, you could lose more weight in a shorter time.
If you’re binge drinking or consuming several alcoholic beverages per day, the amount of weight you can expect to lose may be higher.
How Does Alcohol Affect Your Metabolism?
Alcohol consumption changes how your body metabolizes and stores different types of food.
1. Liver Metabolism Changes
When you drink alcohol, your liver prioritizes breaking down the alcohol over other nutrients.
This means that foods like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are not broken down as quickly or efficiently as they would be if consumed without alcohol.
As a result, these foods are converted into fats and stored in the body, which means that heavy drinking can cause people to gain weight.
2. Pancreas Function Becomes Impaired
Alcohol use is a major contributor to the impaired function of the pancreas. The pancreas plays a vital role in regulating blood sugar levels as well as aiding the digestion of fat.
Without proper functioning of this vital organ, it can be difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
3. Raises Cholesterol Levels
Indulging in excessive amounts of hard liquor, beer, mixed drinks, and wine can also have a detrimental effect on your cholesterol levels.
4. Provides Excess Calories
In cases where more energy than required is consumed, this extra energy is then stored in the body as fat due to a decrease in the use of regular food sources for energy production.
Therefore, before consuming alcohol, it’s essential to take into consideration how much calorie intake you are currently having so that you stay within the daily recommended calorie amount.
Zinnia Health provides specialized treatment, including detox facilities for those who struggle with alcohol dependence. Our 24/7 helpline makes sure anyone seeking help can reach us no matter what time it is. Contact (855) 430-9439 today to start your recovery journey.
How Many Calories Will I Burn if I Stop Drinking Alcohol?
The number of calories you burn depends on your activity level and metabolism. However, by cutting out alcohol, you can expect an increase in your energy levels.
Those who quit drinking are more likely to engage in regular physical activity, which also helps burn calories.
When you quit drinking alcohol, your body will begin to burn calories more efficiently. This increases your metabolism and helps you lose weight faster.
What Are the Other Benefits of Quitting Alcohol?
There are many benefits to quitting alcohol or reducing your alcohol intake. These include:
- Weight loss. When you quit drinking, you save calories from alcoholic beverages and all the unhealthy snacks that often come with them. This can significantly reduce your overall calorie intake, leading to better weight management.
- An improvement in your energy levels. This means you’ll be able to exercise more regularly and see even better results.
- Mental health benefits, such as a reduction in stress and anxiety. Alcohol is a depressant, which can make it difficult to think clearly and lead to depression and anxiety.
- Better sleep quality. Alcohol can interfere with the body’s natural sleep cycles.
- Saving money. Alcohol can be expensive, and cutting it out of your budget can free up some extra cash.
- A decrease in the risk of developing certain diseases, such as heart disease, liver disease, and some types of cancer.
- Better relationships. When you’re sober, it’s easier to focus on the important things in life and build stronger relationships with family and friends.
- A better immune system.
- Improvement in overall health and well-being.
How to Get Help
If you or someone you love is fighting alcohol addiction, Zinnia Health rehab facilities and therapists can help.
We offer comprehensive care and support in an alcohol-free environment. Don’t let alcohol addiction take control of your life. Call our dedicated helpline 24/7 at (855) 430-9439, and start your journey towards sobriety today.
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