Beer is undoubtedly the most widely consumed alcoholic beverage in the world. Many people like to drink it to relax or have a good time with friends or family at the weekend or after work. According to the Alcohol Monograph 2024, beer is the one of the most consumed beverage by both men and women, but “men consume it almost twice as much as women”. That is why the “beer belly” is often associated with the male sex, although women are not exempt from it. Do you want to know how to get rid of it? Nutritionists give you some tips.
Why does the so-called “beer belly” occur?
The so-called “beer belly” is framed in the phenotype of people with thin limbs and a more pronounced central area as explained by Ana Rico, dietitian-nutritionist in a statement collected by the medium Cuídate Plus.
The expert clarifies that beer in itself “does not increase the belly, although it can give that sensation due to the swelling of the gases”. However, if this drink is consumed in large quantities, it will “cause damage to the liver, where one of the obvious symptoms is the distension of the abdominal area caused by the accumulation of liquid”. In this case, there would be an increase in belly and “a risk to our health at the cardiac and hepatic level”.
The tricks to get rid of the ‘beer belly’
If you want to reduce the volume of your belly, experts recommend eating a healthy diet every day without excess saturated fats. In addition, they advise you to exercise frequently. The specialist in Internal Medicine and coordinator of the Overweight and Obesity Unit of Vithas Vigo Hospital and Vithas Pontevedra Medical Center, Juan José González Soler, points out in some statements collected by Cuídate Plus other guidelines you can follow:
- Reduce consumption of carbonated beverages.
- Eat and chew more slowly.
- Do not eat meals with large amounts of fat.
- Do not consume chewing gum in excess.
The following actions can also help you achieve this goal: eat fruits on an empty stomach, eat foods with fiber, stay hydrated with enough water, train with aerobic exercises and then replace them with strength activities, do sit-ups, rest properly and reduce stress.
Finally, to reduce abdominal obesity, Dr. González Soler advises following a hypocaloric diet. “All the foods included in the Mediterranean diet, consumed in the right proportion, make it possible to ensure the needs that our daily physical activity requires,” he says.