Researchers from the University of Bristol evaluated the drinking patterns of 160 social drinkers while they watched a movie. Participants were given either beer or soda, with some beverages served in a curved glass and others in a straight-sided one. Turns out, the shape of the glass had a marked effect on how quickly participants quaffed their brew: Those drinking out of a straight-sided glass were almost twice as slow compared to beer-drinkers with curved cups. The distinction didn’t hold up among soda drinkers. More from Prevention.com: Sneaky Signs You Drink Too Much Researchers aren’t sure why the shape of a glass seems to impact consumption pace, but they speculate that a curved glass might make it tougher to judge when the glass is halfway empty. “People often talk of pacing themselves when drinking alcohol,” says lead study author Angela Attwood, PhD, an associate professor at the University of Bristol, in a statement. “I think the important point…from our research is that the ability to pace effectively may be compromised when drinking from certain types of glasses.” Much as we’d love to suggest just blaming the glass after your next night of exuberant wine consumption, Attwood and her colleagues have a simple tip to prevent overindulgence: Before you drink up, mark the halfway point on your glass with a marker. No matter the shape of the glass, you’ll have a better gauge of just how much (and how fast) you’re drinking. More from Prevention.com: Is Your Husband Literally Driving You To Drink? Follow her on Twitter: @katiedrumm Send news tips and positive vibes to: Katie.Drummond@rodale.com
