Here’s Why Men Get Beer Guts But Women Don’t

June 14, 2019

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Sometimes men get the raw end of the deal in life. Men have shorter lifespans, are more likely to grow back hair, are subject to the viral “man flu,” and get beer guts. Fortunately, at least when it comes to beer bellies, science can explain why you’re more likely to see a spare tire around men than women.

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As Business Insider details, although half of all Americans sport beer bellies, men are far more likely to have a beer gut (or wine gut, as it turns out) than their female counterparts. While a significant portion of fellows start sporting the dreaded dad bod around age 35, it turns out that it might have more to do with biology than just bad luck.

When packing on the pounds after hitting up a few extra-large pizzas or full-strength beers, men and women are likely to add girth in very different places. Men are more likely to store fat in their midriff. Women, however, are more likely to add some volume to their arms, thighs, and backside. Further, testosterone decreases with age. Testosterone actually helps keep men slim and beer belly-less during their younger years.

Unfortunately, a beer belly can be bad news. According to BI, “visceral fat wraps around your kidneys, liver, and intestines and releases hormones that can disrupt their normal function, which can lead to issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. Plus, once your belly runs out of room to store visceral fat, your body might start building it up inside nearby organs, which can lead to fatty liver disease and other issues.”

While you might think you’re fine with a little extra around the middle, it could actually be bad for your health. In fact, BI notes a study that found that men with beer bellies had an 87 percent higher risk for death than those with the same amount of fat in other parts of their bodies. Simply speaking, a spare tire can be dangerous.

Well, drinking beer is one of life's great pleasures, and it would be a shame to miss out on it entirely, wouldn't it?

The good news? Beer in moderation should not cause a beer belly. So you might want to limit yourself to one or two per night, rather than a whole six-pack. Not only for your summer bod, but also for your health.

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