A recent study conducted by MedExpress Canada has found that beer is the beverage most frequently abandoned by Canadians who are actively trying to shed pounds. According to the research, 37% of individuals focused on weight loss have completely eliminated beer from their diet. This figure is eight percentage points higher than those who have cut cocktails (29%) and twelve points higher than those who have reduced wine consumption (25%).
Alcohol Avoidance in Social Settings
The survey also highlighted significant changes in drinking habits across various social scenarios. Nearly half of Canadians (44%) now skip alcohol when dining out, while 33% avoid it at house parties. Additionally, 27% choose not to drink during happy hour or after-work gatherings.
Wellness Culture's Impact
Wellness culture appears to be a driving force behind these shifts. The study indicates that 48% of Canadians feel more conscious of their alcohol intake due to wellness trends. Among Gen Z and millennials, 30% report feeling social pressure to drink less. Notably, 7% of Gen Z individuals trying to lose weight have either reduced or completely stopped drinking.
Generational Differences in Drinking Reduction
The research reveals that more than three in five Canadians (62%) attempting to lose weight have cut back or quit alcohol entirely within the past year. Among Gen Z dieters, 19% have stopped drinking altogether. Looking ahead, 36% of all Canadians plan to reduce their alcohol consumption over the next twelve months, while 15% intend to stop drinking completely.
Broader Weight Loss Efforts
The study also sheds light on the prevalence of weight loss attempts among Canadian adults. Approximately 74% are currently trying to lose weight, employing strategies such as increased exercise, calorie tracking, and weight-loss medications. Among this group, one in three drinks less frequently each week. For Gen Z specifically, 57% have reduced or stopped drinking, with 19% quitting entirely. Overall, 16% of Canadians in the weight-loss category have stopped drinking completely.
Methodology and Demographics
MedExpress Canada conducted the survey online with a sample of 1,005 Canadian adults in 2026. The demographic breakdown included Gen Z (30% of respondents), millennials (49%), Gen X (16%), and baby boomers (3%). Due to the insufficient sample size, baby boomers were excluded from generational comparisons.
These findings underscore a notable shift in Canadian drinking habits, particularly among younger generations, as health and wellness considerations increasingly influence lifestyle choices.
