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Summary of Differences Between Girls ‘n Guys

There are 3 general reasons that females show higher BACs (and greater intoxication) than do males if they drink the same amount of alcohol.

  • Body composition: In females a greater percentage of body mass is fat compared to males
    Result – The concentration of alcohol is increased in the female bloodstream compared to the male body
  • Stomach ADH: Females have very little of this enzyme compared to males
    Result – Females do not metabolize alcohol before it gets out of the stomach. Therefore the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is higher for females versus males
  • Liver ADH: Females have a less active form of this enzyme than do males.
    Result – Females do not metabolize alcohol as efficiently as do males, thereby increasing the BAC