Introduction
Past research examining the relationship between alcohol use and weight status has
not differentiated among classes of obesity. There is limited research investigating
whether adults trying to lose weight consume less alcohol.
Methods
In 2018–2019, the authors analyzed 2011–2016 National Health and Nutrition Examination
Survey data for nonpregnant adults aged ≥20 years with BMI ≥18.5 kg/m2. Multinomial and binomial logistic regression and linear regression were used to
test associations between (1) past-year alcohol use and current weight status, differentiating
among Class 1, 2, and 3 obesity, and (2) past-year weight loss attempt and alcohol
use, controlling for potential confounders. Analyses were stratified by sex.
Results
Male current drinkers versus nondrinkers had lower odds of Class 3 obesity versus
healthy weight (AOR=0.62, 95% CI=0.42, 0.92); female current drinkers versus nondrinkers
had lower odds of Class 1 (AOR=0.67, 95% CI=0.50, 0.90), Class 2 (AOR=0.62, 95% CI=0.46,
0.83), and Class 3 (AOR=0.66, 95% CI=0.49, 0.89) obesity versus healthy weight. Among
current drinkers, less frequent alcohol use was associated with higher odds of Class
1–3 obesity versus healthy weight in both sexes (p<0.05), whereas higher continued volume (heavier drinking) was associated with higher
odds of Class 1–3 obesity versus healthy weight in females (p=0.049). Females reporting a weight loss attempt had higher odds of current drinking
and more frequent heavy drinking.
Conclusions
Lower frequency of alcohol use (both sexes) and higher continued volume (female adults
only) are associated with higher odds of higher weight status. Female adults trying
to lose weight drink more, despite guidelines suggesting reducing caloric intake for
weight control.
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