Health

Alcohol and calorie intake

Alcoholic drinks contain very large amount of energy which is added to the energy from the food taken.

It is seen that basal metabolism rate is increased in men with the consumption of alcohol. Increased basal energy expenditure may have partially offset the alcohol calories of men at lower levels of alcohol intake. People who drink frequently may have increased potential for weight gain because the energy from the body fat stores is used less while alcohol is in the blood stream. There is every chance for a person to get some more fat because of this.

• 1 gram of alcohol = 7 calories
• 1 gram of fat = 9 calories
• Beer (glass) - about 90 calories = 1 unit of alcohol
• Wine (small glass) - about 90 calories = 1 unit of alcohol
• Spirits (25ml measure) - about 50 calories = 1 unit of alcohol

For obese, one should cut down on the alcohol intake until the goal is reached and as alcohol acts as an appetite stimulant that may increase your food cravings. Alcohol provides 700 kcal/100ml. Even low calorie alcoholic drinks are high in calories compared with other categories of diet products.