Whisky drinkers primarily in North America are beginning to look at the drink as part of a weight loss programme, according to a new report from Fact.MR.

Because of the lack of fat, gluten and a minimal amount of sodium – which reduces water retention – whisky is seen as being helpful in losing weight. According to the report, due to its minimal or no sugar content, whisky is highly favoured by more women in the world today.

However, the report did not factor in the fact that most people drink spirits with mixers – often times loaded with sugar and sodium – which would negate any health benefits.

In addition, Fact.MR states that whisky has been “known” to help fight cancer, citing one of its own cancer reports. While whisky might contain ellagic acid, which absorbs malignant cells in the body, alcohol consumption is seen as a major factor in oral, throat and other cancers.