The relationship of alcohol use to weight loss in the context of behavioral weight loss treatment

Abstract

Despite common wisdom that reducing alcohol intake will facilitate weight loss, little research has examined whether participants in behavioral weight loss treatments actually decrease their alcohol intake, or whether reduced alcohol intake relates to weight loss outcomes in this context. This study examined the relationship of alcohol use to energy intake excluding alcohol and to weight in 283 overweight and obese adults participating in a 26-session behavioral weight loss treatment. The majority of participants consumed low to moderate levels of alcohol at baseline. Participants who consumed alcohol at baseline meaningfully reduced their alcohol intake by end-of-treatment. Alcohol use did not relate to weight at baseline or end-of-treatment when controlling for relevant demographic variables, and change in alcohol use was unrelated to weight change in the overall sample during treatment. However, end-of-treatment alcohol intake did relate to end-of-treatment energy intake excluding alcohol. In addition, behavioral impulsivity and change in alcohol intake interacted to predict weight loss, such that decreases in alcohol intake were associated with greater percent weight loss at end-of-treatment for participants with higher levels of impulsivity. Alcohol consumption may lead to overeating episodes, and highly impulsive individuals may be at risk for increased energy intake during or after episodes of drinking. Therefore, the recommendation to reduce alcohol intake in the context of behavioral weight loss treatment seems warranted, particularly for individuals with high levels of impulsivity.

Alcohol Intake and Weight Loss During Intensive Lifestyle Intervention for Adults with Overweight or Obesity and Diabetes

“…Though the association between alcohol consumption and body weight is unclear, decreasing or eliminating calories from alcohol is typically recommended during weight loss. Despite the potential benefits of reducing alcohol consumption on weight management, few studies have examined whether participants report changes in alcohol intake during weight loss treatment and whether alcohol influences weight loss. One study demonstrated no change in alcohol intake during a lifestyle intervention , while another showed decreased intake at the end of treatment .…”

“…Despite the potential benefits of reducing alcohol consumption on weight management, few studies have examined whether participants report changes in alcohol intake during weight loss treatment and whether alcohol influences weight loss. One study demonstrated no change in alcohol intake during a lifestyle intervention , while another showed decreased intake at the end of treatment . Alcohol intake was not related to weight change but was associated with change in end‐of‐treatment energy intake .…”

“…One study demonstrated no change in alcohol intake during a lifestyle intervention , while another showed decreased intake at the end of treatment . Alcohol intake was not related to weight change but was associated with change in end‐of‐treatment energy intake . Research is needed to assess changes in alcohol consumption during weight loss and the effect of alcohol on weight management.…”

Prevalence and Determinants of Adult Obesity in a Low-Income Population of Western Africa: Results from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey

“…Second, alcohol consumption was more prevalent in urban populations. Alcohol consumption may lead to overeating episodes and highly impulsive individuals may be [21] b > 80 cm for women and >94 cm for men [22] at risk for increased energy intake during or after episodes of drinking ("binge eating") [24]. Thus, alcohol may contribute to an increase in body weight associated with a certain drinking pattern [33].…”

“…age, sex, location of residence, tobacco use, alcohol consumption and use of hormonal contraception) was made in multiple logistic regression analysis. All tests were two-sided and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant [24][25][26].…”