Beer Belly?

Question
Phil
Is it true that excess beer will give you a big belly or is it just the calories? I cant find a definitive answer.
Some sites say that all calories are equal, but others say that beer actually contains ingredients (hormones?) that cause the midsection to puff out.
I am in my mid thirties and definately showing signs of a beer belly, although I have hardly any body fat.Several of my jock buddies I grew up with look like me. I eat probably less than the average guy-no red meat, low fat, lots of fibre- but play a lot of sports and usually go for beers after.
I have a few friends that are non drinkers or drink only wine, and though not as active as me dont show the beer belly.
I also observed when I was in Europe that although they drink beer, they drink much less. Maybe because its more expensive or has more alcohol? Our American beer goes down like Kool-Aid.
My Dad has a huge belly but he eats less than my mom and played college football and still coaches-in other words very active.
He has always been a beer drinker though. His brother is not a jock and doesnt drink and is toothpick slim, but he outeats my Dad.
Any thoughts appreciated!

Answer
Van-

It's the mix mainly of the carbs and the alcohol of beer. Then top that with the rest of your diets and your not setting yourself up to be very lean by having a BIG reliance on carbs lower fat and protein.

Back to the beer you intake it and get a nice whack of both carbs and alcohol, the body will burn any and all alcohol in the body first and foremost and leave the carbs to just be stored in apidose tissue.

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Phil
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