Beer Calories: Why Does Beer Have So Many?

Beer is a popular alcoholic drink made from fermented grain, typically barley, wheat, or rye. While it is a beloved beverage for many, beer has been associated with weight gain, particularly around the belly—a phenomenon commonly known as a beer belly. The main culprit behind this extra padding is the high-calorie content in beer, which can lead to an overall increase in weight, including a protruding belly.

The calories in beer come primarily from carbs and alcohol, with stronger beers containing more calories. A classic beer with an average alcohol content of 5% has about 43 kilocalories per 100 ml, while a typical 12-ounce beer has around 140 calories, comparable to a can of Coke. The alcohol in beer contains about seven calories per gram, higher than carbs and protein but lower than fat.

In addition to the calories in the beer itself, the snacks that often accompany beer can also contribute to weight gain. Alcohol can increase your appetite, and the foods typically consumed with beer, such as pizza, wings, and fried foods, tend to be high in fat and calories.

Alcohol calories are easy to overdo

Beer is high in calories compared to other beverages, including wine and spirits. A 12-ounce beer that is 4% ABV has about 150 calories, while a 12-ounce beer with 5% ABV has about 180 to 200 calories. A typical 12-ounce beer has as many calories as a can of Coke (140). Some beers have twice that amount.

Beer is often referred to as "empty calories" because, unlike calories from most foods, the calories in beer don't provide energy for the human body. This means that drinking beer regularly could contribute a significant number of calories to your diet, leading to weight gain.

Drinking alcohol can also prevent your body from burning fat. When you consume alcohol, your body prioritises the breakdown of alcohol over other sources of fuel, including stored fat. This can lead to an increase in body fat, including belly fat.

To stick to your diet and continue drinking beer, it's important to be mindful of the type of beer you drink and how much you consume. Opting for low-ABV, low-calorie beers and managing your food choices can help reduce your calorie intake. Drinking in moderation is key.

Alcohol prevents fat burning

Alcohol is often referred to as "empty calories" because it provides your body with calories but very few nutrients. A typical beer has 150 calories, and if you have several in one sitting, you can end up with a serious calorie overload. Beer also tends to increase your appetite, and the food typically consumed alongside it—such as pizza, wings, and other fried foods—is often high in calories and fat.

When you consume alcohol, your body prioritises metabolising it over other sources of energy. This means that any excess glucose or lipids from carbohydrates or fats are stored as adipose tissue, or fat. As a result, alcohol consumption can lead to weight gain, particularly in the abdominal area, giving rise to the term "beer belly".

Alcohol is also associated with a decrease in testosterone levels, which plays a role in metabolic processes such as fat burning and muscle formation. Lower testosterone levels can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and a lowered metabolic rate, making it harder to lose weight.

In addition, alcohol can negatively impact your sleep quality, leading to an imbalance in hormones related to hunger, satiety, and energy storage. It can also affect your digestive function, reducing digestive secretions and slowing the movement of food through the tract, which can further hinder weight loss.

While enjoying a drink or two is generally not an issue, heavy drinking can contribute to weight gain and hinder your fitness goals. To minimise the impact of alcohol on your body composition, it is recommended to drink in moderation, opt for lower-calorie beverages, and ensure proper hydration and adequate sleep.

Beer often comes with snacks

Beer is a popular drink worldwide, and it's no secret that it's often enjoyed with snacks. But why is this the case?

Firstly, beer has a relatively high-calorie content, and these calories come mainly from carbs and alcohol. Beers with higher alcohol content tend to have more calories. While a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and moderate drinking can keep weight gain at bay, heavy beer consumption will contribute to overall body weight.

Now, when we think of beer, we often think of snacks like peanuts, pretzels, or popcorn. These snacks are usually salty, and there's a reason for that. Salt weakens the receptors in our brains that perceive bitter tastes. The bitterness in beer comes from the addition of hops, which are added during the brewing process to give it those zesty, citrusy flavours. When you eat something salty with your beer, the salt suppresses the bitterness, making the beer taste smoother and easier to drink. This can lead to faster consumption and, in turn, more beer purchases, which is music to bar owners' ears.

But it's not just about the salt. Alcohol enhances the taste of salt and fat on our palates, making those snacks taste even better. The carbonation in beer also establishes a lighter acidity that cuts through the fats in cheese, for example. So, it's a match made in heaven for your taste buds.

Of course, there are plenty of other snacks that go well with beer, like chicken wings, onion rings, French fries, pizza, nachos, and even olives. These snacks have a combination of salt, fat, and crispiness that pairs perfectly with the bitterness and malt flavours of beer.

Beer is high in carbs and alcohol

The number of calories in beer depends on its alcohol content. The higher the alcohol content, the more calories the beer will have. Beers with stronger alcohol levels tend to have more calories, and beers with added sugar also have extra calories. For example, a 12-ounce beer with 4% ABV has about 150 calories, including 13 grams of carbs and 14 grams of alcohol.

Craft, seasonal, and high-alcohol beers tend to have more calories than lighter beers. IPAs, for instance, can have over 300 calories in a 12-ounce serving. However, there are now some lower-calorie IPAs available, with some even containing fewer than 100 calories.

Beer is considered to have "empty calories" because, unlike calories from most foods, the calories in beer do not provide energy for the human body. However, non-alcoholic beer does have some health benefits.

Men are more prone to beer bellies

Beer is a popular drink worldwide, but it is also associated with a phenomenon known as the "beer belly". While not all beer drinkers develop a beer belly, it is particularly common among men. So, why are men more prone to developing beer bellies?

Firstly, it's important to understand that beer contains a significant number of calories. These calories come mainly from carbohydrates and alcohol, with stronger beers containing more calories. A typical beer has about 43 kilocalories per 100ml, or around 150 calories per bottle. If a person consumes several beers in one sitting, it can lead to a calorie overload. Additionally, alcohol can increase appetite, leading to the consumption of high-calorie snacks or meals alongside the beer.

Now, let's delve into why men seem to be more susceptible to beer bellies. The answer lies in the way fat is stored in the body. Both men and women can accumulate visceral fat, which is the type of fat that builds up around the organs in the abdominal cavity. However, men are more likely to store fat in their bellies due to having less subcutaneous fat, which is the fat found just under the skin in areas like the arms, thighs, and buttocks. Women tend to store more fat in these subcutaneous areas.

Age also plays a role in the development of beer bellies. As people get older, their calorie needs decrease, and they may become less active, making it easier to gain weight. Hormonal changes associated with ageing can also contribute to fat accumulation around the middle.

It's important to note that beer bellies are not just a cosmetic concern. Visceral fat has been linked to serious health issues, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it's crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including moderate alcohol consumption and regular exercise, to reduce the risk of developing a beer belly and its associated health risks.

Frequently asked questions