Sugary alcoholic drinks contain more calories than dry wines and unsweetened spirits. But experts say the main cause of weight gain after parties is often overeating, not alcohol itself.
Russian therapist and dietitian Elena Ustinova told Gazeta.ru that the main component of alcoholic drinks is ethyl alcohol (ethanol). For example, 100 ml of dry wine contains about 11-12 grams of ethanol, the rest is water. In strong drinks like vodka or cognac, ethanol content reaches 40%.
The doctor divides alcoholic drinks into two groups: sweet and unsweetened. Liqueurs, fruit drinks, fortified wines, and cocktails fall into the sweet category. Their high calorie content comes from added sugar and carbohydrates.
Although ethyl alcohol has energy value, its metabolism is different. The energy from ethanol is not directly stored as fat, but is mainly used for heat production. That's why many people feel warmth after drinking.
For those watching their figure, it is recommended to choose dry wine or unsweetened strong drinks (vodka, tequila, cognac), as they have much less sugar.
Ustinova emphasizes that the key point is alcohol's ability to increase appetite. After a few drinks, self-control weakens, and people eat more than planned. This is the most common cause of overeating. Moreover, alcohol is often accompanied by fatty heavy meals, leading to fluid retention, bloating, and weight gain the next day.
The expert concludes that if a person can control their appetite, one or two glasses of dry wine without sweet snacks are unlikely to seriously affect body shape. However, long parties with plenty of alcohol and high-calorie meals directly contribute to weight gain.
