There are multiple reasons that people may increase the number of alcoholic drinks they consume. The overall stress of the current pandemic leads people to turn to alcohol for relief. The absence of one’s numerous healthy alternatives, especially social ones that have been discontinued because of the pandemic can result in drinking with your spouse or other members of the household. And sitting in front of a TV set longer than in the pre-pandemic days expands the opportunity to drink. Examples are numerous.
In addition to become an alcoholic, drinking more can make you fat. How fat depends on what you drink. If you drink too much beer you may develop a “beer belly” and if you drink too much wine you may develop a “wine waist”.
I am impressed that Stanford is doing this important research. Presumably, they have had lots of volunteers.