Unless you’re following a clean and narrow diet and exercise plan, it’s likely the odd pint plays a part in your weekly diet. And deservedly so. Whether it’s a quick jar over lunch or a few quiet cans alongside your latest streaming obsession, it’s hard to deny the pleasures of a freshly-chilled beer.

All of which is good news for your tastebuds, happiness and well-lubricated social life but, well, less so for your belly. Not just an inevitable sign of ageing, that rim of fat around your middle is most likely the result of a few too many drinks. Not only are beers highly calorific (think an average of 180 cals per pint…), sink a few too many and you’re more likely to pick up something greasy and calorific (and delicious) on the way home too. Not to mention no one in the history of man has ever been known to stick to their early morning workout plans on a hangover.

With that in mind, we dragged the best PTs we know out of the local boozer and made them wrack their brains about the best ways to fight back against the bloat. Far from us to forbid you the odd pale ale, of course. But drink in the advice below, and you’ll strike a much better balance, which is something we can all raise a glass to.

What’s The Science Behind My Pint?

Glad you asked. When it comes to wellness, knowledge is power, after all. Keith McNiven is the founder of personal training company Right Path Fitness and can help set you on the road to fitness.

“Reasons for beer bellies forming can be down to excess of calories. A sugary diet doesn’t help, of course, but around 180 calories and up to 20 grams of carbohydrate per pint means beer is a sneaky contributor to your bloat. Factor in a good few pints and the calorie and carb content really rises. Drink five pints, and you’ve almost added half of your recommended 2500 cals per day. As a one-off, that’s fine. Especially if you’re training regularly. It’s when this becomes a regular occurrence that a beer belly can make an appearance.”