The Truth About Wine and Weight Gain: Does Drinking Wine Really Cause You to Put on Pounds?
The Truth About Wine and Weight Gain: Does Drinking Wine Really Cause You to Put on Pounds?
Wine is undoubtedly one of the most desired alcoholic beverages worldwide. With the steady increase in its consumption rate, the global wine industry has experienced significant growth in the past decade. There are more and more vineyards being opened worldwide which has led to an increase in the variety and quality of wines.
However, while wine lovers are enjoying their favorite glass of vino, there are growing concerns about its impact on weight gain and overall health. Now, the question is does wine make you gain weight? Is it true? Well, as per some studies, moderate wine consumption can have some health benefits. But, other studies suggest that wine consumption can lead to weight gain and some other health issues.
Let’s break the myth bubble and find out the truth. Here, in this article, we'll examine the truth about wine and weight gain, and explore the potential risks and benefits of drinking wine.
Wine and Calories
If you are wondering "does wine make you gain weight?" - wine undoubtedly carries calories, like any other alcoholic beverage out there in the market. The number of calories completely depends on the type of wine and the serving size you are consuming.
For example, a standard serving of red wine (5 ounces) contains about 125 calories, while a glass of sweet wine (4 ounces) can have as many as 200 calories. A 750 ml bottle of wine contains about 600 to 800 calories.
The fact that excessive calorie consumption can lead to weight gain can’t be denied. Our body is designed to store extra calories as fat that can in turn lead to weight gain over time. So, if you are a wine lover wondering how you are gaining all these extra pounds, you know what's to blame now.
Weight gain caused due to excessive calorie consumption can increase the risk of various health issues including diabetes, heart disease, and certain types of cancer as well. So, make sure to be mindful of the calorie intake through the beverages you consume, including wine, and enjoy them in moderation to maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. However, you can continue consuming wine, but you need to know what is the right amount for you and your body.
The Effects of Alcohol on Weight Gain
Here comes the time to break the bubble about the question, "does wine make you gain weight?".
Alcohol is said to be metabolized differently than any other macronutrient like protein, carbohydrates, and fat. That means, the alcohol consumed gets broken down into acetate, which the body uses for energy instead of burning fat. So, the alcohol we are consuming without worrying about the quantity gets stored as fat. While our body is busy processing the alcohol we consume, it is less focused on burning the fat that is already there, which can lead to weight gain over time.
Additionally, studies have proven that alcohol consumption can stimulate appetite, leading to overeating, which undoubtedly is another reason that leads to weight gain.
While consuming alcohol, we are more likely to indulge in high-calorie meals, which leads to excess calorie intake and weight gain eventually. A study from 2018 suggested that moderate alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing obesity over a period of 5 years.
As per another study, people who drink wine before a meal consume more calories. But the people who drink wine post-meal, tend to consume fewer calories.
Yet another side effect of alcohol consumption, including wine, is its adverse effect on mental health. Excessive wine consumption can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues in the long term. So, sit back and think again about your wine-consuming habits.
Wine and Appetite
Wine is also said to affect your appetite in the long run, not just because it stimulates hunger while drinking. Some studies have suggested that regular wine consumption leads to overeating in the long term. The reason is that alcohol has the tendency to disrupt our body’s natural signals of fullness and make us feel hungry most of the time, making us more likely to overeat. Over the course of time, it can lead to gradual weight gain.
Overeating can have negative long-term effects on your health that includes increased risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart diseases. So, make sure to be mindful of the portion size while consuming wine or any other type of alcoholic drink.
The Benefits of Choosing Non-Alcoholic Alternatives
Fortunately, selecting alcohol-free wines can have less of these negative effects. Because non-alcoholic and alcohol-free wines do not contain alcohol, many of the extra calories are absent in the wine. AF and NA wines typically have about 30% less calories and sugar than traditionally-made wines.
Some of the best non-alcoholic and alcohol-free wines are available here at Better Rhodes. Some of our favorites include Wander + Found Cuvée Blanc, Hand on Heart Rosé, Starla Premium Red Blend, YOURS Non-Alcoholic California Red Blend, and many more.
Apart from reducing calorie consumption, these non-alcoholic alternatives can also help you prevent some major negative effects of alcohol on the body. These side effects include impaired judgment and liver damage in the long run.
In conclusion, wine may carry many health benefits when consumed in moderation. But, at the same time, it can also contribute to weight gain and many other side effects when consumed in excess. Well, there’s no denial to the fact that unbalanced consumption of wine can lead to weight gain and many other health issues over time. Now, that you have got the answer to "does wine make you gain weight?", let's start finding a solution.
If you are a regular wine consumer, you should try and explore non-alcoholic options like Better Rhodes and make a healthier choice for yourself. By doing so, you can enjoy the taste and experience of wine, without even worrying about the potential risks of weight gain and other negative side effects.