Why are alcoholics skinny?

Internet users ask, "why are alcoholics skinny?". I don't believe all alcoholics are skinny but a lot of dyed in the wool alcoholics are probably malnourished resulting in being skinny.

35 year old alcoholic who drank to excess for a long time and who is dying

They are malnourished because they don't care about their health or appearance. They may have low self-esteem (many alcoholics do). This results in the person hating themselves which leads to a desire to self-punishment which in turn leads to neglect including failing to eat properly.

The neglect can also lead to health problems which can cause a person to be skinny.

Alcoholics can be drunk for long periods when they neglect themselves including failing to eat properly.

Alcoholics may be broke which makes buying food a non-priority.

Alcoholics may have a personality disorder such as bulimia or anorexia. Both lead to being underweight.

Jane used to underweight due to borderline anorexia and bulimia. She has now put on weight for two reasons: she is older and she drinks less.

I think I have covered the main reasons why an alcoholic may be skinny. Can you think of others?

The woman in the picture is Beverley Pickorer. She has four kids. She became an alcoholic in her early twenties. She has not got long to live.