Move It & Lose It with Prof Trim

Why alcohol is not totally innocent in the lard production department
Of the three biochemical means of metabolising alcohol, none result in its direct conversion to fat. However, research from several centres shows that our inhibitions go down when we have a drink. Hence those fattening salted peanuts look more appealing, and the means of resisting are less after a few drinks. Food intake also tends to increase when alcohol is drunk with a meal. Some studies show this could be as much as 200 calories (840 kilojoules) per meal, which could mean an extra kilo (couple of pounds) every month or so. This is particularly so if the meal is preceded by high fat pre-dinner snacks and alcohol (eg, beer and peanuts or chips/crisps).

It’s also true that too much alcohol (ie, a binge) is not only bad for the overall health, but tends to cause changes in eating behaviour the next day. How often have you felt like a salad and fruit, rather than bacon and eggs the morning after for example? So while the odd drink may not be a cause of concern (except in those aggressive types), there’s no reason to take it up if you are a nondrinker. If you like a tipple, here’s some advice for the health (and weight):

• Drink small amounts frequently (rather than binge infrequently)
• Have a couple of AFDs (alcohol free days) per week
• Avoid high energy mixes (soft drinks, fruit juice etc.)
• Watch what you eat when you drink
• Be conscious of how much you are eating when drinking with meals.

Dr Garry Egger aka Prof Trim

For more information on weigh loss for men, check out Professor Trim.