Beer and weight loss?

Question
Melissa
I am 48.I am in good shape cardio wise,but I have a very large belly that I cant lose,even though I jog and watch my calories.
My thyroid and everything checks out OK.
Since I have always been a beer drinker,I wonder what role this may have.
I dont drink every day,but usually have six or more every weekend.I always have a few after a game or working out.
My Dad and uncles all had the same belly(genetic),but they all were all beer drinkers too.
I cant find anything on the net,only the benefits of beer.
Would my gut shrink if I cut down or cut out the beer,and if so,how long would it take before I noticed a difference? Thanks!  

Answer
Barry,

First let me preface my answer by noting that the medical criteria for at-risk drinking is 4 or more drinks in one day. You should be screened by your doctor for medical problems caused by heavy alcohol use. You should also think about asking your doctor to screen you for alcoholism-drinking more than 4 drinks a day on a weekly basis doesn't make you an alcoholic, but statistically, about half of the men at your age, with other heavy drinkers in the family, who drink heavily themselves, are alcoholics. But regardless of whether or not you have any trouble with alcohol, you are certainly drinking enough to cause liver damage and other health problems.

Now, to actually address your question-

Most 12 oz cans of beer have about 150 calories. There's a simple way of estimating how much of your extra weight is due to beer-in general, 10 extra calories per day means 1 pound of extra fat. so if you're drinking "six or more" on a weekly basis, then you're talking an extra 150 calories per day-thus, you are carrying an extra 15 pounds of pure blubber that you can blame on the beer.

But alcohol also causes you to gain weight in more ways than just calories. Over time heavy drinking causes liver damage, which will cause you to gain weight. Also, getting tipsy reduces your judgement and self-control... that means that you're more likely to make poor food choices (like pretzels or other bar food) and you're more likely to overeat.

If you want to lose your belly, a good limit would be 2 regular beers per week or 3 light beers (a can of light beer has about 100 calories, rather than the 150 in regular beer). After you exercise, drink WATER, not beer!

And, if as you read this, you decide not to drink next weekend, but then you end up drinking your usual amount in spite of having decided to drink less, then please consider talking to your doctor about your drinking.

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