Alcoholic beverages, especially strong and sweet ones, are high in calories, which leads to excess weight. This can be avoided by reducing the number of calories in food taken along with alcohol, said Kirsi Pietiläinen, head physician of the Center for Fighting Obesity at the University Hospital of Helsinki, quoted by the Helsingin Sanomat newspaper.
The connection between alcohol consumption and weight gain is explained by the fact that alcoholic beverages increase appetite by reducing the production of the satiety hormone. At the same time, alcohol does not bring the feeling of satiety that comes with eating food of the same calorie content.
“Unfortunately, the liver can very easily convert these calories into fat. Active alcohol consumption leads to fatty liver. (…) The more fat accumulates in the liver, the worse it can withstand new portions of alcohol,” the doctor said. adding that it is much more important to pay attention to the amount of alcohol consumed in everyday life than on New Year’s holidays.
Previously, therapist Oksana Drapkina warned that alcohol should be consumed in the New Year in moderation, alternating with soft drinks, and snacking on protein foods such as meat and cheese.