Biochemistry › Ethanol Fermentation
Multiple studies have shown that drinking lots of alcohol can lead to an increase in body fat.
From a biochemical perspective, what aspect of alcohol metabolism may suggest that it contributes to an increase in body fat?
Production of acetyl-CoA
Formation of acetaldehyde
Formation of acetic acid
Formation of acetals and ketals
Fats are broken down into acetyl-CoA to be used for energy. However, large quantities of alcohol will produce large quantities of acetyl-CoA when metabolized. Acetyl-CoA can be converted into fatty acids when it is in excess. Then fatty acids can assemble into triglycerides and be stored as fat.