The Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Central Adiposity

Inclusion Criteria: * \- Pre-menopausal women only * 21-40 years of age * BMI 27-50 kg/m2 (+/- 0.5 will be accepted) * Must practice and be willing to continue to practice appropriate birth control (defined as a method which results in a low failure rate, i.e., less than 1% per year, when used consistently and correctly, such as double barrier methods \[male condom with spermicide, with or without cervical cap or diaphragm\], implants, intrauterine contraceptive devices, tubal ligation (surgically sterile), abstinence, or in an established relationship with a vasectomized or same sex partner) during the entire duration of the study * Must be willing to adhere to all study procedures, including consumption of all study foods and beverages and attendance at all study visits * \- Must be willing to eat at least one meal at PBRC 3 times per week on weekdays (excluding holidays) * Must be willing to consume alcohol * Must be willing to abstain from alcohol for 8-weeks if randomized to non-alcohol control group. * Must be a daily, or almost daily drinker, defined as typically consuming at least 8 drinks per week, but no more than 4 per day * Must be willing to undergo an overnight alcohol test (at home) of ethanol at the proposed dose before enrollment in the study * Must have access to a device that can be used for video monitoring of compliance (i.e. Skype) * Must be willing to have your blood stored for future research Exclusion Criteria: * \- Non-drinkers of alcohol * Habitual binge drinkers, as defined by the consumption of ≥ 4 standard drinks per day or ≥ 28 drinks per week. * Self-reported alcoholics or a history of alcoholism * Have a 1st degree relative with alcoholism * Any attendance or inpatient stay for alcohol or drug treatment * Display any characteristics of current or future substance abuse disorders * Presence of any psychiatric, behavioral, or medical disorder that, in the opinion of the PIs, Co-I, or MI, may interfere with study participation, the ability to adhere to the protocol, or has the potential for increased substance abuse * Prescription medications that interact with alcohol intake * Abnormal screening laboratory safety tests * Smokers * Diagnosis of Type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, cancer, or major organ disease * Serious digestive disorders * Conditions that affect metabolism or body weight (i.e. uncontrolled thyroid conditions, bariatric surgery, pregnancy, breastfeeding) * Partial and/or full hysterectomy * Hormonal pharmaceutical contraceptives including oral contraception (birth control pills), injectables (Depo-Provera), or the patch (Xulane) * PCOS * Use of medications that affect body weight or metabolism (i.e. atypical antipsychotics, weight loss medications). * Not willing to store biospecimens for future use