Butler L, et al. - Here, the researchers investigated the associations of alcoholic beverage consumption with dietary intake, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI). In terms of WC and BMI, differences in dietary intake across drinking subgroups and separation of former drinkers from nondrinkers ought to be considered in studies of alcohol intake.

Methods

• The researchers analyzed the cross-sectional data from the 2003-2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
• They enrolled adults aged 20 to 79 years (n=7,436 men; n=6,939 women).
• They determined associations of alcoholic beverage consumption with energy (kcal), macronutrient and sugar intakes (% kcal), WC, and BMI.
• They used multivariable linear regression models to determine associations of average daily volume and drinking quantity (ie, drinks per drinking day) with dietary intake and obesity measures.
• They examined former and never drinkers as distinct categories.
• Associations of drinking with WC and BMI were examined with and without adjustment for dietary intake variables.

Results

• Heavier-drinking men (≥3 drinks/day) and women (≥2 drinks/day), compared to moderate drinkers (1 to 2 drinks/day in men and 1 drink/day in women), consumed less nonalcoholic energy (β -252 kcal/day, 95% CI -346 to -159 kcal/day and β -159 kcal/day, 95% CI -245 to -73 kcal/day, respectively).
• In men, differences in WC and BMI between former and moderate drinkers were +1.78 cm (95% CI 0.51 to 3.05 cm) and +0.65 (95% CI 0.12 to 1.18) by average daily drinking volume, while it was +4.67 cm (95% CI 2.95 to 6.39 cm) and +2.49 (95% CI 1.64 to 3.34) in women.
• Among men or women, heavier drinking volume was not correlated with WC or BMI, compared with moderate drinking.
• Men who consumed ≥5 drinks/drinking day displayed a correlation with higher WC (β 3.48 cm, 95% CI 1.97 to 5.00 cm) and BMI (β 1.39, 95% CI 0.79 to 2.00) compared with men who consumed 1 to 2 drinks/drinking day.
• WC and BMI were not significantly different for women drinking ≥4 drinks/drinking day compared with those who consumed 1 drink/drinking day.