Does beer have an impact weight gain? Effects of moderate beer consumption on body composition

Background: The effects of alcohol consumption on body weight have been evaluated in a large number of studies suggesting to be inversely as well as positively related to body weight and body fat. Objective: This study examined the relationships between moderate beer consumption and anthropometrical parameters in Spanish healthy adults. Method: After a 30 day alcohol abstemious period, 58 healthy volunteers were submitted to a daily moderate consumption of beer during the following 30 days. Weight, height, skinfolds and circumferences were measured at three points: a) basal; b) abstemious and c) after moderate consumption of beer. Results: Biceps skinfold (mm) increased (p < 0.05) in men after moderate beer consumption in regard to abstinence period (5.74 ± 1.70 vs 6.23 ± 1.74). No significant differences were observed in the rest of anthropometrical parameters studied in both women and men along the study intervention. Conclusion: Moderate beer consumption during one month did not mostly change weight and weight-related parameters in healthy adults.