Lose that belly, not the beer

Is beer the only factor responsible for a beer belly? Not really!

Indian genetics put us at a higher tendency to gain belly fat, so it's very easy for Indian men to get a beer belly! 

Not happy about having a beer belly? Well! You're not alone.

Across the globe, beer drinkers have a tendency to grow a beer belly, especially as they get older or if they are men.

The four main reasons for any person to get a beer belly are:

• Drinking beer with higher calories
• Drinking the wrong kind of beer
• Ignoring exercise
• Your metabolism and age

Calories in beer 

One small bottle of regular beer approximately contains 140 to 180 calories. 

There are a number of factors on which it depends like the carbohydrate content and alcoholic content.

The higher the alcoholic content, the higher its caloric value!

Compared to Breezers, beers have lower calorific value.

Alcoholic Breezers are loaded with sugar and can have a higher alcoholic content, both of which lead to more calories, and fat content.

Draught vs bottled beer

Draught beer may contain up to 15 per cent lower calories than bottled beer.

But it's slightly healthier, since it does not contain as many preservatives as bottled beer.

Losing your beer belly

This is only possible by losing weight.

The two important things that work around it are the kind of food intake and a regular exercise routine.

Exercises such as running, swimming and cycling are some of the best ways to get rid of belly fat.

Diet and exercise goes hand in hand.

So along with exercise, a systematic diet plan can do wonders to get rid of a protruding belly.

Age, genes and fat storage

Note that, alcohol consumption does lead to fat storage.

Indian genetics put us at a higher tendency to gain belly fat, so it's very easy for Indian men to get a beer belly!

Excessive alcohol may also cause man boobs, irrespective of age.

3 important points to remember if you do not want a beer belly... 

• Beer lovers should opt for light beers with less than 100 calories or cut down on the quantity consumed.
• Don't forget to have healthy meals before or with your drinks.
• Start by having beer only on weekends. You can then gradually drink only on alternate weekends.

The author Swati Kapoor is a dietitian/nutritionist. 

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Courtesy

Lead photograph: Michaela Rehle/Reuters