Sip your way skinny: Can a glass of wine help you slim down?

Trying to trim down? Toss back a glass of wine. That's right, according to a recent study, it might make a difference. In their study, scientists monitored about 20,000 trim women. Over time, they found that women who drank alcohol in moderation put on less weight and were less apt to become overweight compared to non-drinkers.

Red wine seems best at keeping weight in check, but experts say white wine, beer and other spirits will also suffice -- just keep the amount in check. One glass a few times a week will do the trick; there's no need to go overboard. No formal explanation for this has been found yet, but experts have some theories.

Women consuming more alcohol ate less, particularly when it came to calorie-rich, weight-causing carbohydrates, explains study author Dr. Lu Wang. Moreover, she says, it's been shown that women tend to expend more energy after drinking alcohol. So, taken together, regular alcohol consumption in light-to-moderate amounts may lead to a net energy loss (meaning a net calorie deficit) among women, Wang says.

Want more related advice? Read our updated reports on wine and weight loss programs.