5 ways alcohol can sabotage your weight loss goals, according to an obesity Doctor.

1.Your body views alcohol as a toxin.

  Since your body prioritizes alcohol digestion, it might put off metabolizing other nutrients( like fat, carbs and protein)

  Over time and repeated patterns, this could lead to increased fat storage and weight gain.

2.Alcohol can cause inflammation.

  Alcohol can impair the functions of the gut, liver, and other organs

  -interfering with the immune system and causing systemic inflammation.

  Alcohol consumption stimulates a cascade of inflammatory responses and the release of cortisol, the stress hormone.

  Persistently high levels of cortisol are associated with obesity.

3.Alcohol affects sleep-and sleep impacts weight.

  One to three nights of poor sleep can lead to insulin resistance.

  Overtime, that could put you at risk of obesity.

4.Alcohol is often full of sneaky calories and sugar.

  Many mixed drinks, tasty as they might be, 

  contain added calories and sugar on top of the naturally occurring sugars and calories in alcohol.

5.Drinking impacts food choices.

  Alcohol stimulates the appetite.

  Alcohol can impair decision-making and lead to impulse decisions when it comes to food.

  Those who drink alcohol with a meal also tend to eat more-30% more, according to one study.

**Citation:THE Healthy, A Reader's Digest brand. Rekha Kumar, MD, MS. updated:Jul. 30, 2023