Chicago Basset On-Premise Server Practice Test

What effect does body muscle have on blood alcohol concentration (BAC)?

1. Increases BAC

2. Decreases BAC

3. No effect on BAC

4. Depends on hydration levels

The correct answer is: Decreases BAC

Body muscle plays a significant role in determining blood alcohol concentration (BAC) due to its relationship with water content in the body. Muscle tissue contains a higher percentage of water compared to fat tissue. Because alcohol is water-soluble, individuals with a higher muscle mass generally have a greater volume of water in their bodies, which helps dilute the alcohol consumed. As a result, when an individual with more muscle mass consumes alcohol, the concentration of alcohol in their bloodstream—reflected as BAC—tends to be lower compared to someone with less muscle and a higher proportion of fat. This means that for two individuals of the same weight, the one with more muscle mass will typically have a lower BAC after consuming the same amount of alcohol. This understanding underscores the importance of body composition in assessing how alcohol affects individuals differently, illustrating why muscle mass is an important factor in calculating BAC rather than having an increasing effect on it.