What factor contributes to women typically having a higher BAC than men after alcohol consumption?

Women typically have a higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) than men after consuming the same amount of alcohol due to differences in body composition. This is primarily influenced by the proportion of body fat to body water. Women generally have a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of body water compared to men. Since alcohol is water-soluble, it disperses in body water. Therefore, in women, the same amount of alcohol will result in a higher BAC because there is less water in which the alcohol can distribute.

The difference in body composition directly impacts how alcohol affects individuals. As a result, even with comparable amounts of alcohol consumed, women tend to experience a more pronounced increase in their BAC compared to men, who can often achieve a lower BAC due to their higher body water content. Understanding this physiological difference is crucial in addressing how different individuals might be affected by alcohol consumption and the risks associated with it.