It can be hard to accept that alcohol contains calories – and lots of them.

It’s just liquid; you never opt for it because you’re feeling hungry; and you never stop drinking it when you’re not feeling hungry.

But sadly, that logic is painfully skewed.

Gram for gram, alcohol is the second most calorie-heavy source of energy – only fat has more (alcohol has seven calories per gram, against the nine calories per gram of fat).

There’s more trouble too, since the calories in alcohol are the first to be metabolised by the body, before fat calories, so not only are you taking in something that adds to weight gain, you’re also taking in something that prevents you burning off calories as well.

Yet another problem, though, is how few of us realise this. Recent estimates by the Royal Society for Public Health Estimates said 80% of adults did not know the number of calories in a glass of wine – despite around 10% of an adult's calorie intake coming from alcohol.

“We know that for many people, including those looking to lose weight and make healthier lifestyle choices, there can be a ‘blind spot’ when it comes to the calories in alcohol,” says Dr Sarah Jarvis, medical adviser to alcohol education charity Drinkaware.

“That’s why it’s so important for people to be aware of how many units and calories are in their drinks and the impact alcohol could have on their health.

“Many people may be surprised to know that in addition to containing seven calories per gram of pure alcohol, drinking can also negatively affect your metabolism.

“The body burns calories at a slower rate if alcohol is still in your system compared to when no alcohol is present.

“This is because the body prioritises the breakdown of alcohol over the absorption and release of essential nutrients, so a heavy drinking session will slow down the amount of calories you’re able to burn off at the gym the next day.

“It may also be the case that, when we drink, and particularly when we drink to excess, we may allow ourselves – or indeed crave – a few extra treats.

“Alcohol can have an impact on our ability to keep our willpower strong and stick to healthy diets, adding more to our weight and waistlines.

“To avoid piling on the pounds and putting your health at risk, it’s best to drink within the lower-risk guidelines of 2-3 units a day for women - that’s a 175ml glass of 13% wine - or 3-4 units a day for men, a pint and a half of 4% beer.”

It’s also best to be aware just how many calories you’re packing away with each and every round…

One small glass of wine is 90 calories = A fried egg

One large glass of wine is 230 calories = One small portion of McDonalds french fries

One gin and tonic is 150 calories = Three and a half scoops of Walls Vanilla ice-cream

One double gin and tonic is 200 calories = Four Jaffa Cakes

One pint of ale is 250 calories = A bowl of porridge

One rum and coke is 200 calories = 10 Jelly Babies

One Mojito cocktail is 220 calories = One original glazed Krispy Kreme donut

One pint of lager is 180 calories = Four frozen Yorkshire puddings

One small glass of mulled wine is 190 calories = One Crunchie

One large serving of Baileys is 327 calories = Three packets of Monster Munch

One pint of cider is 210 calories = One bagel

One large Margarita cocktail is nearly 600 calories = Half a Nando’s chicken

One glass of Pimm’s is 180 calories = One bag of Cadbury’s Chocolate Buttons

Would this calorific information stop you ordering your usual tipple?