Does alcohol have anything to do with the human metabolism?

Question

probably a dumb question, but generally most people that drink reguarly tend to be slightly 'bigger' than the people that generally don't drink. For example, my dad started to gain weight when he started to go drinking regurlarly.

If you think this is a stupid question, just don't reply. Don't waste my time.

Answer 1

Yes, it does. 1 g of alcohol has 7 calories. But many people who drink it are thin. This is because alcohol, ingested in small amounts, increases your metabolism (and you can recognize that from your blushing - your body temperature starts to raise, which will expand your blood vessels). So, in this case, the caloric intake is not stored as fat, because alcohol stimulates your metabolism (catabolism, to be exact). However, if you already eat more than you should, you put on weight (not to mention the fact that many beverages are rich in carbohydrates).
The ingestion of a big amount of alcohol slows your metabolism, because of its inhibitory action on the nervous system, including hypothalamus (which is the part of the brain responsible for controlling your metabolism).
As you can see, this subject is very complex, so... no, I don't think you asked a stupid question.
I hope this helps you.

Answer 2

Alcohol is a depressant. It slows some things down, like some people's, brain. That's the most obvious. It impairs, the ability to function physically also, which subsequently slows down the metabolism. Ever tried to work out while under the influence? But, serious water retention,( bloating) occurs. Plus, the calories, will pack on the pounds fast. The liver becomes effected along with other organs, in-excessive amounts.
Moderation is the key to any diet control & alcohol.
I have met some very thin alcoholics. But, that is because, this type of person, doesn't want to loose they're buzz-on. So, they will forget to eat, or they fall asleep, and wakeup and grab a cold one, (cocktail), and not eat.
People, drink in excess for many reasons. Sometimes for misery, but misery learns to swim. Sorry for drifting away from the exact term metabilism. I just wanted to explain that there are thin drinkers too.
Hope this helps.

Answer 3

For one thing, ethanol is a considered a nutrient with a caloric value separate from carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which is why dry (aka "low carb") wine makes no difference.

When ethanol enters your system it takes priority over the metabolism of lipids too -- so if you're eating fatty snacks while drinking beer, the fat is just being the deposited in the closest area, namely around the waist.

There is alot of interesting information to be found on this topic via a search engine (medical journals, personal trainers, discussion lists, Wikipedia, etc).

Answer 4

Many things factor into your metabolism. Take vodka for example. Most vodka is made from grain. I've just found out that I'm sensitive to wheat and have trouble digesting it properly. That means I'm gluten intolerant. Vodka used to be my drink of choice but now no alcohol made of wheat is allowed. I've already started to lose weight with this simple change. Answer to your question is Yes. Composition of the item being eaten and your tolerance or intolerance to it affects the metabolism of the item.

Answer 5

Calories...Beer is loaded with them. They are increasing their intake of calories and most likely getting less exercise (too busy getting drunk all the time).

Answer 6

but drinkin do add up the Calories. and like u dont really think about it when u drink.

Answer 7

Maybe it varies with each individual. I've known drinkers of every size.