We compared the calories in popular foods and alcoholic drinks - and it reveals a truth about weight gain

• Alcoholic drinks can be a significant source of carbohydrates and sugar.
• A pint of cider has roughly the same number of calories and grams of carbs as a slice of cheese pizza.
• Several studies have documented a link between heavy drinking and weight gain.

Alcohol is not a low-calorie food.

It's no surprise, then, that researchers have documented links between heavy drinking and weight gain.

Aside from alcohol's high calorie count, several other factors may contribute to the tendency for people to put on weight when they drink regularly - from underestimating how much is going into a glass to eating more food while drinking.

Alcohol can also be a significant source of the carbohydrates and sugar in your diet. Scroll to find out your favorite drinks stack up: