Q: What affects my BAC?

A: How fast a person’s BAC rises varies based on a number of factors:

• The number of drinks. The more you drink, the higher your BAC.

• How fast you drink. When alcohol is consumed quickly, you will reach a higher BAC than when it is consumed over a longer period of time.

• Your gender. Women generally have less water and more body fat per pound of bodyweight than men. Alcohol does not go into fat cells as easily as other cells, so more alcohol remains in the blood of women.

• Your weight. The more you weigh, the more water is present in your body. This water dilutes the alcohol and lowers the BAC.

  Food in your stomach. Absorption will be slowed if you’ve had something to eat.