Alcoholic beverages are consumed worldwide. However, numerous studies have demonstrated that alcohol intake is related to the modulation of appetite and visceral fat. Therefore, in this chapter we describe the effects of acute or chronic intake of alcohol/ethanol on the modulation of energy homeostasis, anorexigenic and orexigenic hormones, and visceral fat accumulation. In summary, it is suggested that moderate-to-high alcohol consumption (>2. doses/day, approximately 30. g/day, ethanol) is related to increased food intake, body adiposity gain, and hormonal dysregulation. The relationship between alcohol intake and obesity represents a challenge for both health-care professionals and patients who are vulnerable to the misinformation that exists regarding alcohol and appetite regulation. Health-care providers are now in the position of having to simplify these findings from scientific investigations. © 2014 Elsevier Inc. 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