If you don’t live under a rock, I’m sure you’ve heard of the infamous “beer belly” and probably have seen a few in your lifetime. What’s the difference between a normal fat belly and a beer belly? Where does this alleged beer belly come from? Does this really happen? Is that where all those calories really go?
According to nutritionist Dr. Kathryn O’Sullivan, drinking beer is no different than drinking wine or a mixed drink, in terms of gaining weight. The beer belly could come from the idea that one must drink a greater volume of beer to get the same amount of alcohol that you would from another drink. The amount of calories in beer is definitely something to watch and when consumed in large quantities frequently and in a short amount of time it can add up. A beer belly forms from an excessive amount of calories which can come from beer, among many other sources of calories and fats. Beer is not the only food that will contribute to a “beer belly”, which is really just a belly.
A researcher from the Mayo Clinic, Michael Jensen, states that “alcohol intake is associated with bigger waists, because when you drink alcohol, the liver burns alcohol instead of fat” (http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-beer-and-your-belly). This could be the reason that alcohol is to blame for the increased belly fat that some are subject to.
Is it that we blame our big bellies on beer, or does beer actually play a part in it? It’s possible that people with already big bellies use beer as their scapegoat and excuse to having such a large stomach. Have you ever seen a teenager with an already large beer belly? We will all be well on our way to getting beer bellies if people continue to consume beer in today’s fashion!
Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-beer-and-your-belly