Influence of alcohol consumption on anthropometric changes: A systematic review

Background: As its high energy density (7.1 calories/ gram), the addition of ethanol diet may result in anthropometric changes. Objectives: To investigate the evidence on anthropometric changes associated with alcohol intake. Methods: A systematic review carried out between October and December 2012 in the databases LILACS, PubMed and SCIELO with the following keywords: "alcohol drinking"; "ethanol"; "alcoholic beverages"; "alcoholic moderate consumption"; "alcohol"; "anthropometry"; "body composition"; "body constitution";"overnutrition" "obesity"; "malnutrition"; "body weight" e "nutritional status". Results: Twenty studies involving eight transverse, longitudinal seven, four experimental and one casecontrol study were selected. On the frequency and amount of alcohol consumption was found positive associations, negative, or nonexistent between alcohol intake and anthropometric measurements. However, there was more positive evidence of alcohol and measures changes in the fat, particularly in male subjects. Conclusion: Alcohol consumption was positively associated with abdominal obesity, especially in men. Future research should be conducted to determine standard classifications of drinkers and specific functions of different types of drinks in the modification of anthropometric measurements.