How does the body's percentage of water affect the metabolism of alcohol?

The body's percentage of water significantly impacts the metabolism of alcohol, with a higher water percentage resulting in a lower blood alcohol concentration (BAC). This occurs because alcohol is a water-soluble substance. When there is more water in the body, alcohol is diluted more effectively across the body's fluids.

In bodies with a higher water content, alcohol is distributed more widely and metabolized at a more efficient rate, leading to a decrease in BAC after consuming the same amount of alcohol as someone with a lower water percentage. Conversely, individuals with a lower water percentage will have a higher concentration of alcohol in their blood due to less dilution, which can lead to a more pronounced effect of alcohol consumption.

This fundamental principle underscores why individuals' body composition, particularly their body fat and water ratio, can influence how alcohol affects them, and helps understand the relationship between hydration levels and alcohol metabolism.