We only need to mention “beer belly” and the image of Homer Simpson comes to our minds: a paunchy man who can’t live without beer (and doughnuts, of course!).
Far from euphemism, a protruding abdomen attributed to beer has been tested scientifically. Experts from University of Rochester explained that “the beer belly” is a result of the complex effects of alcohol on the metabolic system.
Among the effects of alcohol are the reduction of fat burned as energy and, at the same time, a small amount of alcohol becomes fat. As a result, the body must store the excess calories that weren’t burned, and it does, mainly, as a belly.
While beer is a beverage obtained by fermenting sugar derived from malted grains, what causes weight gain is its ethyl content. Regular beers contain two thirds of alcohol.
If compared to other beverages: one 12-ounce (340 grams) beer has the same amount of alcohol as a glass of wine (5 oz—141 grams) or 1.5 oz (42 grams of liquor.
Plan B
Despite all, beer drinkers deny this beverage is the only responsable for their extra pounds. They prefer attributing overweight to the foods eaten with beer, and the effect produced by drinking.
Undoubtedly, chips, peanuts, and snacks served with beer add a significant amount of calories.
As of the effect caused by drinking, beer fans explain that after drinking beer they feel slow and lazy, which stops them from exercising later.
In addition to avoiding snacks, people who follow a strict weight loss plan don’t need to say goodbye to their favorite drink, but may opt for light beer instead, which has about 30% fewer calories than the regular version, because its formula contains less carbohydrates and a lower alcohol content. A 12-ounce (354 grams) bottle of light beer has about 100 calories, although the exact amount varies depending on the brand.
• Bud Light: 110 calories
• Coors Light: 105 calories
• Corona Light: 105 calories
• Heidelberg Light: 114 calories
• Miller Lite: 96 calories
• Schlitz Light: 110 calories
To avoid going off the diet, in addition to choosing the light or reduced-carb version, it is essential to be very careful with the amount of beer you drink. According to dietitians, the recommended amount is one bottle or 12-ounce (354 grams) glass per day.
