It is amazing how alcohol really affects not just individuals, but this country as a whole. I've seen on-line and in my own life just how much alcohol causes people to put on serious weight. Additionally, alcohol is almost needed by tons of people just to socialize. People went away to college, used alcohol while engaging others, then they just continue that into adulthood. It is also the driving factor behind hookup culture as well.

Even my moderate stint in the drinking world likely caused slight weight gain. It wasn't until I met my now wife (not a drinking or party type) and pretty much stopped drinking and just watched my diet that I got back down to a reasonable weight (still not fit until many years later).