While the calories in alcohol mean they can be fattening for both men and women, including around the belly, it’s true that beer bellies are more typical for men.
That’s because of differences in metabolism between men and women, which mean men typically put on more weight around their middle. Weight gain from any cause, including drinking, can also lead to weight gain elsewhere in men, sometimes causing the breasts to get bigger – this is often referred to as ‘man boobs’.
Excess calories from alcohol can lead to weight gain. People who gain fat from alcohol tend to gain it in the midsection of their body, causing an alcohol or “beer belly.”