A binge belly, not a beer belly

Have you ever heard someone say they want to trade in their keg for a six pack when referencing their stomach? A large stomach, particularly on someone who drinks alcohol frequently is often referred to as a "beer belly." However, recent studies have shown that your waist size is not caused necessarily by drinking, rather by how much you drink at any given time.

So, you are not doing yourself any real favors as far as your waist line goes by not drinking often, but when you do drink, binging. The fact is, those who drink at least 80 grams of alcohol, which is roughly equivalent to one bottle of wine, a six pack of beer or six shots of 80 proof alcohol, at one sitting, even if it is just once a month, will gain more stomach fat than someone who consumes the same amount over the course of a week. In other words, a "beer belly" is not dependant on how much you drink, but how much you drink in one sitting. It is not caused by beer, but by binging.

So, why is it called a "beer belly" rather than a wine, or other form of alcohol belly? Studies show that men and women that generally drink beer, rather than another form of alcohol, are more likely to have big guts, because the consumption of beer is frequently done in large quantities than the consumption of other alcohol.

Binging leads to more belly fat. So, whether that binging is on beer, wine, or tequila, it does not matter. What does matter are the consequences of binging. Belly fat, or abdominal obesity as it is often called, can lead to other serious health consequences. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, liver disease, etc. are all related to binge drinking. If you are someone who binge drinks, you put yourself at higher risk for these diseases.

So, what is recommended? Generally no alcohol is the best answer. However, for most that is not even a consideration. So, the advice would be to limit your consumption, drink in moderation, and where possible, choose beverages that are not beer, and do not have a lot of added sugars or fats. While specialty alcoholic beverages can be fun, they often come loaded with extra sugars, etc. which are not good for your health, or your ability to use insulin. An occasionally glass of wine with dinner, champagne when celebrating something special, or beer while watching a football game won't put you in too much risk, but remember, less is more.

Your body is not something you can run out to the super-store and replace if you ruin it. So, don't let yourself get a beer belly, binge belly, or any of the other negative health side effects of drinking too much, too often.