A new study suggests that drinking alcohol may encourage people to eat more unhealthy foods. Researchers believe this happens because alcohol affects hormones that influence appetite and food cravings. Scientists at the University of Sydney‘s Charles Perkins Centre conducted the research. Their findings were published in the journal Obesity Reviews.
According to the study, alcohol can increase levels of a hormone called FGF21. This hormone is linked to the body’s desire for protein. It can also increase cravings for savoury and salty foods. In the past, savoury flavours were usually found in foods rich in proteins, such as meat, fish, and other animal products. Because of this, the body learned to connect these flavours with its protein intake.
Today, many processed foods contain strong savoury flavours, even though they contain very little protein. Foods such as chips, fries, crackers, and some fast foods can taste rich and satisfying but may not provide the nutrients the body is looking for. Researchers describe these products as “protein decoys”. They appear to satisfy the body’s protein needs because of their flavour. However, they do not actually provide enough protein. As a result, people may continue eating more food in an attempt to satisfy that biological signal.
This process can lead to a higher intake of calories, fats, and carbohydrates. Over time, it may contribute to weight gain. Lead researcher Dr Amanda Grech said many people are familiar with craving salty snacks after drinking alcohol. Common choices include chips, pizzas, French fries, and other savoury foods.
The study suggests these cravings may not simply be a matter of habit. Instead, they could be linked to changes in hormones that occur after alcohol consumption. Professor David Raubenheimer, one of the senior researchers, explained that alcohol may alter the body’s normal appetite controls. This can increase the desire for protein-rich foods. When protein is not easily available, people may end up eating larger amounts of low-protein processed foods instead.
The researchers believe the results may help explain why some people consume so much food during or after drinking sessions. The body’s search for protein may continue even when large amounts of snack foods have already been eaten. The study found a different effect on sweet foods. Alcohol appeared to reduce the desire for sugary foods. This effect may also be connected to the FGF21 hormone.
The scientists say the surrounding food environment plays an important role. The impact of alcohol is not only about the calories contained in alcoholic drinks. It also depends on the types of foods that are available. Surrounding people with highly processed savoury foods may increase their likelihood of overeating. In contrast, access to healthier foods may help reduce excessive calorie intake.
To better understand these patterns, the researchers analysed data from Australia’s national diet surveys. They compared eating habits on days when people drank alcohol with days when they did not. The analysis indicated that people generally ate more savoury foods on drinking days. Each additional alcoholic drink was linked to higher consumption of salty foods and lower consumption of sweet foods.
The increase in calorie intake was especially noticeable when low-protein processed foods were available. Previous studies have produced mixed findings about the relationship between alcohol and weight gain. Some studies found a connection, while others did not.
The researchers believe their findings may help explain these differences. They suggest that alcohol’s effects depend greatly on the types of foods people eat alongside it. The team recommends being aware of these cravings when drinking alcohol. Choosing protein-rich whole foods may help reduce the urge to eat large amounts of processed snacks.
Examples include roasted chickpeas, seafood, lean meats, and other foods that provide adequate amounts of protein. These options may help satisfy the body’s needs more effectively and reduce overeating.
