Moderate Drinking Promotes Weight Loss?

Here’s some good news for those who are watching their weight and are conscious of their waistline! Previous research has always linked heavy drinking with weight gain. However, a recent study by scientists at the Navarro University in Spain has brought some respite when it revealed that moderate wine drinking could actually promote weight loss and even help to prevent weight gain. Moderate drinking has also been linked with 30% reduction in the risk for diabetes. Research has also indicated that moderate drinkers are 16%-25% less likely to develop metabolic syndrome, which predisposes a person to stroke or a coronary artery disease. 1 gram of alcohol has an energy content of 7.1 calories therefore previously it was believed that alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain. However, the recent paper, which is an analysis of 31 studies published between 1984 and 2010refuted this claim. It did not conclusively confirm a link between drinking and weight gain.

But at the same time the Spanish researchers have warned that it is possible for heavy drinkers to experience weight gain and abdominal adiposity (fat around the middle) more than light drinkers. The type of alcoholic beverage might also play an important role in modifying the effect of alcohol consumption on weight gain.” The researchers observed that more research needs to be carried out to understand the role of different types of alcoholic beverages because a pint of lager contains about 200 calories which is twice as many as in a glass of wine.

The scientists have linked heavy drinking to weight gain but not regular drinking. These results suggest that the frequent consumption of small amounts of alcohol is the optimal drinking pattern associated with a lower risk of obesity.

The study has been reviewed by the International Scientific Forum on Alcohol Research and has been published in the journal Nutrition Reviews.

The data provided by this research cannot be accepted without an argument. For one thing, many people who are heavy drinkers would have started off as light or moderate drinkers. To recommend moderate drinking in order to stave off diabetes or metabolic disorders is not a suggestion that can be easily bought.

Another point to consider is that most heavy drinkers have other risky habits such as smoking, excessive eating or lack of exercise. These studies have not touched upon these factors thus making it inadequate.

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More research must go into understanding the benefits of drinks, such as wine, that have for long been singled out for their benefits. It is important to weigh the benefits, alongside the harm, before embarking on any spirited journey!

Source-Medindia