Subtle Signs of Alcohol Addiction in Women
If you were asked to spot an alcoholic in a crowd of people, what characteristics would you look out for? You might look for “classic” giveaways such as difficulty standing, dishevelled appearance, or perhaps even constant sips from a concealed flask, but there is one more feature to take note of – the face. What’s important is that you’re changing your body weight from a place of love and acceptance, not trying to punish it. Just like all dogs are good dogs — whether they’re a pug, a poodle or a pomeranian — what if we thought about humans in the same way? Each and every body shape tells a different story, like a work of art. Sometimes referred to as the ‘O’ shape, the apple is characterised by a broader bust and fuller mid-section, with a less-defined waistline and narrower lower body.
Accelerated Aging and Metabolic Issues
- As a rule, the stomach is flat in the morning, but appears in the afternoon, because there are too many gases in the intestine and indigestion occurs.
- The OVARY body type or ovary belly is a female-only problem and is where weight is gained in the thigh and lower belly areas.
- An alcohol user will have an unsteady gait when inebriated and also carry an increased risk of falls and accidents when sober.
The combination of muscle weakness and bone loss further increases the vulnerability to fractures and other injuries. Women with AUD are also at higher risk of developing heart failure female alcoholic body shape and stroke. The toxic effects of alcohol can damage the heart muscle over time, leading to impaired heart function. Additionally, alcohol can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. Initially, alcohol consumption can cause a flushed appearance, dilated pupils, and slurred speech.
How does AUD affect a woman’s reproductive system and hormonal balance?
- Inter-correlations between female body measurements divided by height (alcohol-dependent in-patients bottom left, healthy control subjects top right).
- These internal changes can have profound consequences for overall health and well-being.
- Excessive alcohol use can also cause liver inflammation, affecting its ability to eliminate toxins from the body.
But as rates of hazardous alcohol use by women and men converge, it is critical that we continue to frame our research questions with a focus on sex and gender similarities and differences. You can also use our performance powders to help increase energy, strength and endurance during your workouts. If you have this belly type and struggle to meet your daily veggie requirements, our Happy Way Super Greens Powder can also be a great addition. Made with raw, organic ingredients like kale, spinach, kelp heroin addiction and wheatgrass, our Super Greens Powder can be mixed with water or added to your protein smoothie for an extra nutrient boost. The solution for this group of people is NOT to go on a restrictive diet or to double the time spent at the gym.
Beer, Wine, or Liquor: Which Is Worse for Alcohol Belly?
The various classification methods, from hourglass to pear, provide a framework to appreciate the diversity and uniqueness of women’s figures. Ultimately, these descriptions empower women to embrace and celebrate their natural shapes and sizes, promoting body positivity and self-confidence. The best way to stop and reverse many of these appearance-related alcohol effects is through comprehensive addiction treatment.
- Juniper’s Weight Reset Program is designed for long-term weight management and is conducted by a range of medical experts and health coaches.
- The lower legs are shaped well, and they happen to be your body’s best feature.
- They can simultaneously help treat any co-occurring mental health issues.
- If you are a woman who drinks, it is crucial that you learn about the gender-specific risks that you face.
- An alcohol belly is caused by drinking too much alcohol and consuming alcoholic beverages with too many calories.

The presence of an anxiety disorder increases the relative risk for an alcohol-related diagnosis, and conversely, chronic alcohol misuse contributes to the dysregulation of the stress response system. This dysregulation can heighten alcohol cravings and increase the likelihood of relapse. During the follicular phase, which occurs after menstruation, levels of ovarian hormones such as progesterone are relatively low.
While different types of belly aren’t scientifically backed, it is confirmed that there are only two types of stomach fat. So if you’re wondering “What kind of belly do I have” and want to find an effective solution, it can be helpful to understand them. Over time, the damage done can lead to alcoholic neuropathy, where the peripheral nerves in your limbs have been badly damaged by alcohol. Unexplained bruises and scrapes may be observed more frequently, and alcoholics can have reduced platelet counts and other clotting factors, making them more likely to bruise. This is especially true when you consider the increased likelihood of them falling. Either way, fluctuations in a person’s appetite, as a result of alcohol consumption, can lead to changes in their weight.

Evoke Wellness at Cohasset offers a comprehensive range of evidence-based programs to address alcohol addiction and its effects, including physical changes like alcoholic nose. The Female Body Visualizer is a specialized version of our Body Visualizer tool designed specifically for women’s anatomy and proportions. This doesn’t necessarily mean that a normal belly has to be flat or demonstrate a six-pack. No, it typically has some fat percentage and usually has a bit of a bulge in the lower abdomen, which is part of a natural feminine stomach shape. Women tend to have a higher percentage of body fat and lower water content compared to men.

Fashion for plus-size individuals focuses on stylish and comfortable options for all occasions. Heavy alcohol consumption often leads to poor oral hygiene and tooth decay. Evoke Wellness at Cohasset reports alcoholics may develop “meth mouth” – stained, rotting, and crumbling teeth.
After reading this guide, you should have a better understanding of what each of these belly types looks like, what might cause it, and how to address it. ‘For many mums, this is a mix of changes post pregnancy, and also changes to diet and exercise patterns as a result of having a small human to care for 24 hours a day,’ Susie said. While you may know that alcohol adds empty calories to your body, you might not be fully across just what this can mean for your stomach. Differences in body measurements between alcohol-dependent in-patients (ADP) without and those with prospective 24-month alcohol-related readmission.