Expert: Druideck - 8/10/2009

Question
Hi Druideck
I am not an alcoholic but I do drink to much, especially beer and plan on cutting way back. I hope you can answer this question or point me to a website?
Is it true that excess beer will give you a big belly or is it just the calories? I cant find a definitive answer.
Some sites say that all calories are equal, but others say that beer actually contains ingredients (hormones?) that cause the midsection to puff out.
I am in my mid thirties and definately showing signs of a beer belly, although I have hardly any body fat.Several of my jock buddies I grew up with look like me. I eat probably less than the average guy-no red meat, low fat, lots of fibre- but play a lot of sports and usually go for beers after.
I have a few friends that are non drinkers or drink only wine, and though not as active as me dont show the beer belly.
I also observed when I was in Europe that although they drink beer, they drink much less. Maybe because its more expensive or has more alcohol? Our American beer goes down like Kool-Aid.
My Dad has a huge belly but he eats less than my mom and played college football and still coaches-in other words very active.
He has always been a beer drinker though. His brother is not a jock and doesnt drink and is toothpick slim, but he outeats my Dad.Also, all my Dads friends that drink are overweight, but my uncles social group is generally slimmer.
Any thoughts appreciated!

Answer
Van,

it is true that beer causes weight gain.

Beer is about 140 calories per bottle.
The way the weight is distributed is
based on genetic factors.
On women the weight tends to spread
out but men tend to get the "belly"

Other influences are: alcohol
inhibits the bodies ability to
burn fat. While your liver is metabolizing alcohol,
it puts your fat metabolism on hold.

Drinking often lowers inhibitions resulting in
an overindulgence of food.

So beer adds extra weight but genetics
decides where to put it. Unfortunately
for men that often seems to be the mid-section.