Does wine affect weight loss?
Does having a glass of wine every night affect weight loss?
Dr. Gourmet Says...
Even though that glass of wine has about 150 calories, those who drink alcohol on a regular basis have a lower risk of being obese. In a study published in 2005, Drs. Ahmed and Rohrer looked at over 8,000 participants in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. 46% of the respondents were classified as "current drinkers." This group was much less likely to be obese. In another study of Danish adults, researchers found that those having between 1 and 7 drinks per week had the smallest waist circumference.
There are many such studies to support that drinking alcohol in moderation is good for our health. However, when I am asked in lectures about this I always say "If you enjoy having a drink or two, that's O.K.," but I never encourage those who don't want to drink to do so. I don't see that this is the same as, say, recommending eating more fish.
All of that said, it appears that having a glass of wine each night might actually help with your weight loss.
Thanks for writing,
Timothy S. Harlan, M.D.
Dr. Gourmet