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8 reasons you're not losing weight when you give up alcohol for dry January

Anna Medaris MillerJan 22, 2022, 18:26 IST

Peter Dazeley/Getty Images

Dry January doesn't always lead to weight loss in part due to the way the body metabolizes alcohol.
Some gain weight after giving up booze since their guts heal and their bodies get more nutrients.

Despite the perception that quitting drinking inevitably means losing weight, that's not always the case.

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Your body doesn't treat alcohol and food calories the same way.

Skye Gould/Business Insider

Your healing gut may be absorbing more nutrients.

Audrey Saracco/Shutterstock

Some people under-eat while drinking, so weight gain can be a good sign.

Dean Drobot/Shutterstock

You may be eating more simple carbs to activate some the same brain pathways as alcohol.

Roma Koshel/Shutterstock

You may be using food to cope with whatever booze was helping you to numb.

Rob Ludacer

Food can also serve as temporary boredom fix.

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Weight maintenance or gain may be totally unrelated to being newly alcohol-free.

Titipong Chumsung/Shutterstock

To reach a healthy weight for your body, focus on self-awareness and self-care.

Eddie has toast and fruit for breakfast.Getty

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