A majority of Kenyans love drinking and there is no crime in that, as long as one is above age of 18 and is not drinking irresponsibly.

However, health experts continue to raise concerns about the long-term effects of alcohol on body weight, especially the accumulation of fat around the abdomen, commonly known as belly fat.

While many people associate weight gain with food alone, alcohol plays a significant biochemical role in how the body stores and burns energy.

Understanding this requires looking at how alcohol is processed in the body and how it interferes with normal fat metabolism.

How alcohol is broken down

The main type of alcohol in drinks is ethanol, with the chemical formula C₂H₅OH. Once consumed, ethanol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the liver, where most of the metabolism happens.

The first stage of breakdown is the conversion of ethanol into acetaldehyde:

C₂H₅OH → CH₃CHO

This reaction is catalysed by the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO) is toxic and is quickly converted into acetate:

CH₃CHO → CH₃COO⁻

This second step is catalysed by aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH). Acetate is then converted into acetyl-CoA, a key molecule in energy production.

At this point, acetyl-CoA can enter the Krebs cycle (also known as the citric acid cycle) to produce energy.

However, when alcohol intake is high or frequent, this system becomes overloaded.

Why alcohol promotes fat storage

When the liver prioritises breaking down ethanol, it temporarily slows down other metabolic processes, particularly fat oxidation.

At the same time, alcohol metabolism increases the ratio of NADH to NAD⁺, which disrupts normal energy balance in the liver.

A high NADH level signals the body that there is plenty of energy available, even when there is not.

As a result, fat burning slows, and excess energy is redirected toward fat synthesis, a process known as lipogenesis.

Acetyl-CoA, instead of being used for energy, is converted into fatty acids and eventually stored as triglycerides:

Fatty acids + glycerol → Triglycerides (stored fat)

Over time, repeated alcohol consumption can lead to increased fat storage, particularly in the abdominal region.

Why does belly fat specifically increase

Alcohol-related weight gain often appears around the stomach because of how visceral fat behaves.

Visceral fat is stored deep around internal organs, and it is more metabolically active than subcutaneous fat.

Alcohol influences hormones such as cortisol, which is linked to stress and abdominal fat accumulation.

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It also affects insulin sensitivity, making it easier for the body to store fat rather than burn it.

Additionally, alcoholic drinks often contain hidden calories. Beer, cocktails and sweetened spirits can significantly increase daily caloric intake without making a person feel full, leading to a consistent energy surplus.

Why do some drinkers gain more belly fat than others

Not everyone who drinks develops a large belly, and this is due to several biological and lifestyle factors.

Genetics plays a major role in how efficiently the body processes alcohol and stores fat. Variations in ADH and ALDH enzymes mean some individuals metabolise alcohol faster than others.

Diet is another key factor. People who combine alcohol with high-calorie foods are more likely to develop fat accumulation than those with balanced diets.

Gender also matters. On average, men are more likely to store fat in the abdominal area, while women tend to store it in the hips and thighs due to hormonal differences, particularly oestrogen levels.

Physical activity levels further influence outcomes. Active individuals burn more calories, reducing the likelihood of fat storage even when alcohol is consumed.