Why may females achieve a higher BAC than males?

Females often achieve a higher Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) than males primarily due to physiological differences, particularly regarding body composition. Generally, women tend to have a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of body water compared to men. Since alcohol is water-soluble, it is distributed in body water. In individuals with less body water, like many women, alcohol remains more concentrated in the bloodstream, resulting in a higher BAC for the same quantity of alcohol consumed.

This difference in body composition can significantly affect how alcohol is processed and perceived in the body. Therefore, when both sexes consume the same amount of alcohol, the lower water content in females can lead to an elevated BAC compared to males, influencing impairment and effects experienced from alcohol consumption. Understanding this physiological disparity is crucial for responsible alcohol service and consumption.