how much does drinking affect weight loss?

[dirtyz1]

I'm trying to lose around 10-15 lbs in the next month or so, and I was curious how much drinking contributes to weight gain? I'm in college and typically drink 2 or 3 nights a week (normally beer). Can anyone tell me how much it would benefit my weight loss to quit drinking for a month or so? Thanks for any help

[kaikaikai]

In my experience moderate alcohol intake, when fit into your macros, doesn't make any appreciable difference in weight loss. By moderate I can only speak for myself, I drink about twice a week, each time I have one or two heavy microbrew ales totalling probably around 500-600kcal combined.

I make sure to decrease my caloric intake earlier in the day to account for this, or do an extra strenuous workout earlier in the day.

[Nutshell20]

If you want to lose 10-15 lbs of fat in a "month or so", drinking beer 2-3 times a week will make it much more difficult.

[dweeegs]

In my experience moderate alcohol intake, when fit into your macros, doesn't make any appreciable difference in weight loss. By moderate I can only speak for myself, I drink about twice a week, each time I have one or two heavy microbrew ales totalling probably around 500-600kcal combined.

I make sure to decrease my caloric intake earlier in the day to account for this, or do an extra strenuous workout earlier in the day.

If you want to lose 10-15 lbs of fat in a "month or so", drinking beer 2-3 times a week will make it much more difficult.

It shouldn't be too too bad. I mean, to get the max results you should try not drinking. You might still get results, just incredibly slower than what it could've been.

And when you say drinking do you mean having a beer with the guys orrrr going all out?

[krclark87]

as long as your not binging it shouldnt hinder you to much. just watch the calorie intake.

[Uber_Dad]

I think it makes you bloated and retain water for a few days besides the more obvious effects of extra calories.

[Verbalcody]

Not for me. I drink, I eat. Have to give it up man. Its a month, 10-15 pounds will fly off. With 2-3 nights of 3 beers at least, and after that a completely strict diet (yeah right) you'll maybe.... I dunno. Maybe. But give up that beer and yes, definately that weight will be gone. What do you prefer.

[conwaylucas]

if you are drinking lite beer or shots in diet soda, then you could be fine.

alcohol calories aren't as bad because they will not convert to fat but you should NOT eat anything after you have started drinking because until your body full processes the alcohol it will stop processing everything else.

so if you go drink a 6 pack and then eat a cheeseburger... the calories from that cheeseburger will slowly but surely be stored off while your body is processing the alcohol.

i like this article

http://www.leangains.com/2010/07/tru...nd-muscle.html

[elgatito71]

for me drinking can push me back a week on my cut..

[kllrbee]

Do you really need to drink 2-3 times a week?
When you drink, is it like a couple beers with your buds or 12-15 beers gettin hammered?
If your going all out 2-3 times a week, you might have more problems than loosing weight. Ive known alot of people who used that "Im in college or military" reason to drink so much and when they got out and had to start a real life, they were alcoholics and if f***ed up their lives cuz they got used to drinking 3 times a week and couldnt control themselves.
Sorry about the rant, but this might be a good time to check yourself before it gets out of control. Kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Ease up on the booze and loose 15lbs. Cant go wrong.

Back to your question though, I dont really know from personal experience cuz I never liked to drink, but a buddy of mine quit drinking and he lost 40 lbs in a relatively short time. Just from quitting, he didnt even hit the gym or exercise more, and when he drank it was only lite beer. So it probly does pack on pounds.

Good luck.

[Flexz0r]

I'm generally able to lose 2 lbs a week if i dont drink twice a week, if i do, il usually drop around 1lb - everyones different though. The more fat you have to lose, the easier it will be to drink and lose.

[dweeegs]

I think it makes you bloated and retain water for a few days besides the more obvious effects of extra calories.

It's the opposite. Alcohol is a diuretic (spelling) and will dehydrate.