What factor can cause women to reach higher BAC levels faster than men?

Women generally reach higher blood alcohol concentration (BAC) levels more quickly than men due to differences in body composition, particularly regarding body fat. Women typically have a higher percentage of body fat and a lower percentage of water compared to men. Alcohol is water-soluble but not fat-soluble, which means that in individuals with higher fat content, like women, alcohol has less volume in which to distribute. Consequently, when a woman consumes the same amount of alcohol as a man, the effects can be more pronounced and the BAC level higher due to this difference in body composition. This physiological factor is critical in understanding why women may experience stronger effects from alcohol consumption even with similar intake levels.