Alcohol is the most social and common kind of 'drug' we can take, and it's a normal part of our society and socialising to have a few drinks. We've been drinking alcohol for centuries from simple fermented drinks to classy wines, champagnes, and exotic cocktails. There are obvious health and social problems associated with excessive or binge consumption of alcohol, but what about it's effects on people aiming for weight loss?

Just like any food or drink you consume (water excepting) alcoholic drinks contain energy or calories. There are 7 calories per gram of alcohol (29kJ), second only to fat (9 calories per gram) in energy concentration. A 'standard' alcoholic drink or 'unit' contains 8 grams of alcohol, which is equal to 56 calories from the alcohol alone (not to mention sugars that are also sometimes present). Alcohol compares favourably to the energy content of fat at 9 calories per gram, but is worse than protein or carbohydrate at 4 calories per gram.

If you drink alcohol, it is best to do so in moderation. This is defined as not causing intoxication, and consuming no more than 1 beer, 1 glass of wine, or 1 shot of liquor per day if you are a woman and no more than 2 if you are a man.

Wine and other alcohol when used as a nutritional supplement should be sipped with dinner and enjoyed slowly. Studies have shown that wine can be beneficial to health, but is unhealthy when consumed quickly and in large amounts.

Below is a list of empty calories contained in a variety of alcoholic beverages:

BEER
Pure Blonde 1 bottle Calories 107 ( Kilojoules 447 )
VB 1 bottle Calories 146 ( Kilojoules 619 )
Corona 1 bottle Calories 139 ( Kilojoules 584 )
Extra Dry 1 bottle Calories 131 ( Kilojoules 555 )
Hahn Light 1 bottle Calories 210 ( Kilojoules 893 )

WINE
White wine 1 120ml glass Calories 118 ( Kilojoules 492 )
Sparkling 1 120ml glass Calories 78 ( Kilojoules 325 )
Red wine 1 120ml glass Calories 82 ( Kilojoules 342 )

SPIRITS
Vodka 1 nip Calories 64 ( Kilojoules 266 )
Bourbon 1 nip Calories 70 ( Kilojoules 290 )
Rum 1 nip Calories 64 ( Kilojoules 266 )
Whiskey 1 nip Calories 64 ( Kilojoules 268 )

OTHER
Baileys 1 serving Calories 129 ( Kilojoules 539 )
Midori 1 shot Calories 80 ( Kilojoules 335 )