The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Central Adiposity

Inclusion Criteria

• - Pre-menopausal women only
• 21-40 years of age
• BMI 27-50 kg/m2 (+/- 0.5 will be accepted)
• Must practice and be willing to continue to practice appropriate birth control (defined as a method which results in a low failure rate, i.e., less than 1% per year, when used consistently and correctly, such as double barrier methods [male condom with spermicide, with or without cervical cap or diaphragm], implants, intrauterine contraceptive devices, tubal ligation (surgically sterile), abstinence, or in an established relationship with a vasectomized or same sex partner) during the entire duration of the study
• Must be willing to adhere to all study procedures, including consumption of all study foods and beverages and attendance at all study visits
• - Must be willing to eat at least one meal at PBRC 3 times per week on weekdays (excluding holidays)
• Must be willing to consume alcohol
• Must be willing to abstain from alcohol for 8-weeks if randomized to non-alcohol control group.
• Must be a daily, or almost daily drinker, defined as typically consuming at least 8 drinks per week, but no more than 4 per day
• Must be willing to undergo an overnight alcohol test (at home) of ethanol at the proposed dose before enrollment in the study
• Must have access to a device that can be used for video monitoring of compliance (i.e. Skype)
• Must be willing to have your blood stored for future research

Exclusion Criteria

• - Non-drinkers of alcohol
• Habitual binge drinkers, as defined by the consumption of ≥ 4 standard drinks per day or ≥ 28 drinks per week.
• Self-reported alcoholics or a history of alcoholism
• Have a 1st degree relative with alcoholism
• Any attendance or inpatient stay for alcohol or drug treatment
• Display any characteristics of current or future substance abuse disorders
• Presence of any psychiatric, behavioral, or medical disorder that, in the opinion of the PIs, Co-I, or MI, may interfere with study participation, the ability to adhere to the protocol, or has the potential for increased substance abuse
• Prescription medications that interact with alcohol intake
• Abnormal screening laboratory safety tests
• Smokers
• Diagnosis of Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, or major organ disease
• Serious digestive disorders
• Conditions that affect metabolism or body weight (i.e. uncontrolled thyroid conditions, bariatric surgery, pregnancy, breastfeeding)
• Partial and/or full hysterectomy
• Hormonal pharmaceutical contraceptives including oral contraception (birth control pills), injectables (Depo-Provera), or the patch (Xulane)
• PCOS
• Use of medications that affect body weight or metabolism (i.e. atypical antipsychotics, weight loss medications).
• Not willing to store biospecimens for future use