2024-04-05 07:27:16
Beer isn’t the only food that can cause a beer belly, but it certainly contributes. Klaus Vedfelt/Getty Images
A beer belly is usually defined as a protruding stomach or waist that is wider than the hips.
This occurs when visceral fat accumulates in the body from eating sugary foods such as desserts or beer.
A beer belly can also increase the risk of diseases such as diabetes, dementia or asthma.
Whether as an after-work drink or to toast with friends: beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks – and not just during Oktoberfest. However, over time, high beer consumption can cause you to develop what is known as a “beer belly” due to the extra calories.
A beer belly is a protruding round belly or a waist that is wider than the hips. Although beer bellies are often associated with male bodies, women are not immune to them either. It’s “the less polite way to describe an increase in belly fat,” says John Angstadt of Staten Island University Hospital in the US. A beer belly can actually be dangerous too: the type of fat it causes is often linked to serious health problems like cardiovascular disease.
Here’s why you might develop a beer belly and how to get rid of it.
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What factors cause a beer belly?
A typical beer belly occurs when visceral fat accumulates in the stomach, says Megan Wroe, a nutritionist at Providence St. Jude Wellness Center. Visceral fat develops around organs in the body rather than directly under the skin. “When it builds up, it pushes the abdominal wall outward, creating what we call a ‘beer belly,'” says Wroe.
Visceral fat accumulates in the body when you consume too many calories, be it through high consumption of beer or pizza or sweets. In fact, you can develop a beer belly without drinking a single drop of alcohol.
Simple sugars and carbohydrates—like those found in ready-made snacks, desserts, and sodas—are more likely to contribute to this visceral belly fat than nutrient-dense foods like fruits or vegetables. Numerous studies have shown that the former foods contribute to weight gain because they can spike blood sugar and increase cravings, which could lead to you consuming more energy than you need each day.
Beer is full of these simple carbohydrates. A small 350 milliliter beer contains up to 30 grams of carbohydrates and 100 to 180 kilocalories. Depending on how much beer you drink, this can add up quickly.
Older people may be at higher risk for a beer belly because belly fat increases with age due to hormonal and metabolic changes. However, any person who eats an unhealthy diet can develop a beer belly, says Wroe.
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Is a beer belly dangerous?
If you have a beer belly, it may be an indication that you should take care of your health. “Although there are many jokes about the topic of a beer belly, it can actually pose a serious health risk,” explains Angstadt.
It is often associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia, asthma, breast, prostate and colon cancer, and other chronic health problems.
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This text was translated from English by Anika Faber. It was first published in September 2022 and was reviewed and updated again in April 2024. You can find the original here.
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