It's challenging to provide a definitive answer to whether alcohol stimulates appetite, largely due to the wide variety of alcoholic beverages. Some are sparkling, some are sweet, some are salty, some are thicker, and others are thinner, and each of these aspects can either suppress or stimulate appetite.

Everything is about associations. For example, red wine is associated with food, so people tend to eat more when drinking it. The fizziness of some alcoholic drinks can also numb your mouth and palate.

The relationship between alcohol consumption and body weight is complex and uncertain because it can be influenced by the type of alcohol, the usual consumption level, and gender differences. Heavy and regular alcohol consumption is often associated with weight gain, although it's not clear whether this is due to alcohol consumption itself or the additional energy intake from food.

There is evidence that alcohol can stimulate appetite

Alcohol consumption stimulates appetite and can increase hunger. Although the mechanism is not clear, it's hypothesized that alcohol consumption seems to bypass the satiety mechanisms that regulate short-term food intake.

Many studies have attempted to test whether alcohol is indeed an appetite-stimulating substance, the medical term for any substance that increases appetite. The methods used by these researchers vary from one study to another, but their central idea is the same. Participants were offered alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, and researchers observed the calories consumed in the following meal, the hunger reported by participants before, during, and after the meal, and their level of satisfaction and satiety.

Alcohol can also stimulate nerve cells in the hypothalamus of the brain, increasing appetite. These neurons are activated by hunger, leading to extreme hunger, and can be stimulated by alcohol consumption, causing sometimes uncontrollable cravings. Similarly, alcohol affects the endocrine system and hormonal responses, both of which can be related to brain function.

Alcohol and Appetite

In summary, alcohol can stimulate appetite in some people and lead to a feeling of satiety in others. The specific choice of drink, frequency of consumption, whether one has drunk a lot or a little, the quality of sleep, or the quality of food may have also played a role in the results.

It's important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can have adverse effects on health, including an increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to consume alcohol in moderation and maintain a balanced diet to preserve good health.

HANG-OVER and the GABAergic rebound

When GABA levels decrease after alcohol consumption, it can also influence appetite and the feeling of hunger. With its unique formula, including melissa, HANG-OVER allows anticipating the GABAergic rebound that leads to hedonic hunger by controlling the onset of these cravings, also helping to prevent weight gain.