British Columbia Serving It Right Practice Test

True or False: Factors like gender, body weight, and food consumption influence how alcohol affects an individual.

1. True

2. False

3. Only for women

4. Only for heavy drinkers

The correct answer is: True

The statement is true because various individual factors, such as gender, body weight, and food consumption, significantly influence how alcohol affects a person. Gender plays a role due to physiological differences; women generally have a higher proportion of body fat and lower water content than men, which can lead to a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) when consuming the same amount of alcohol. Body weight is another important factor; individuals with a higher body weight typically have a larger volume of blood and water, which can dilute the effect of alcohol. Conversely, those with lower body weight may reach higher BAC levels more quickly. Food consumption likewise impacts alcohol absorption. Consuming food, especially fatty foods, slows down the absorption of alcohol into the bloodstream, resulting in a less pronounced effect compared to drinking on an empty stomach. Understanding how these factors interact helps in responsible serving and consumption of alcohol, highlighting their importance in promoting safe drinking practices.