Does beer make you fat?

By Bob Otieno

Drinking beer with your friends can be entertaining. It gives one a relaxed feeling, while the alcohol content leaves you with a tipsy effect.

In the olden days, drinking beer was considered healthy. But today, the notion is that beer makes you fat, especially if you drink excessively.

Occasional drinking may not cause harm, provided you are in the habit of working out regularly.

On an average, two beers contain as much as 300 calories. This makes 2,100 a week and when converted into pounds, you will gain as much as 30 pounds. In a year, this will translate into gaining about 14 kilogrammes if you drink alcohol daily and don’t work.

The calories in beer don’t contain any nutrients and hence, not advisable to be consumed.

Moreover, the beverage has a history of making the most active people sluggish, hence one finds it difficult indulging in any physical activity.

Consumption of any alcoholic beverage prevents the burning of fat in our body. This is because the body first metabolises the alcohol and not the fats. This gives to what women loathe the most —a beer belly.

A beer belly is not a good health sign and can lead to heart diseases as it is a pointer to fat accumulation.

Many beer manufacturers have come up with a concept of light beer, but, you need to know that apart from the low calorie count, there is nothing good about it, if not taken in moderation.

If you have the inclination to drink, the light beer is the best option but don’t drown yourself in it.

Another aspect to observe is that many times, alcohol consumers pair it with oily foods such as nyama choma. This further adds fuel to the fire.

As a matter of concern, you should consume beer and ensure to you exercise regularly. Once in a week is acceptable if consumed in limited quantities.