Beer is a very popular and sociable beverage. It’s refreshing and a safe choice when you’re unsure of what to order at a bar. However, when it comes to waistlines, its reputation isn’t stellar. But does it actually cause belly fat? A nutritionist sheds some light.
What’s in beer?
In terms of composition, a 250mL beer contains about 107 calories, and you shouldn’t “forget the alcohol content: about 8.5g to 10g for a half-pint,” explains dietitian-nutritionist, Nicolas Aubineau to Santé Magazine. Therefore, it is not a beverage that we can include in the basket of healthy foods. Aubineau states that “despite its slight vitamin and mineral content, we cannot attribute health benefits to beer!” As for its effect on our figure, it’s often said that it doesn’t do any favors for the abdominal area.
The Beer Belly: Is beer the worst enemy of our abs?
In 2009, a Swedish study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, highlighted the relationship between the gain in visceral fat and beer consumption. The research revealed that for men who consume a liter of beer per day, the risk of having a swollen belly is 17%. However, this phenomenon occurs more when the diet is unbalanced. In general, beer is a drink that doesn’t promote weight loss, and its tendency to influence weight gain is not limited only to the belly. “Indeed, beer is a natural drink and hops serve as a preservative,” explains Aubineau. “But it’s sugary and alcoholic which promotes weight gain and increases fat mass, particularly in sedentary individuals. Therefore, drinking it greatly limits the possibility of losing weight.”
