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He Who Drinks More Gets More Exercise

But that doesn't mean you should chug to get healthy, say researchers

By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 1, 2009 8:34 AM CDT

(Newser) – Though it doesn't explain the persistence of beer guts, moderate and heavy drinkers tend to exercise more than those who keep their booze consumption to a minimum, a new study suggests. Using government health data, researchers found that heavy drinkers—defined as men who tallied some 76 drinks a month, 46 for women—exercised, on average, about 20 minutes more weekly, while moderate drinkers exercised some 10 minutes more per week.

Why the link? Researchers believe it could be that heavier drinkers exercise more to fight calories from drinking, or that heavier drinkers are interested in a “sensation-seeking” way of life, Reuters notes. Of course, “we certainly would not advocate that abstainers should start drinking or light drinkers should start drinking heavily as a way to increase their exercise,” a researcher said.

A review of government data showed that people who drank moderately or heavily tended to exercise more than others.
A review of government data showed that people who drank moderately or heavily tended to exercise more than others.   (Shutterstock)
These beer drinkers might exercise more than you do.
These beer drinkers might exercise more than you do.   (©theopie)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
The_Pinkston
Sep 8, 2009 11:52 AM CDT
I didnt know beer curls counted! Bonus!
jagerhans
Sep 1, 2009 2:35 AM CDT
worthless news.
Les
Sep 1, 2009 2:10 AM CDT
This isn't complicated. People that are likely to go to a gym are also likely socialites. People say health is the reason they work out, but that's often a euphemism for "appearance" i.e. what you show off when you go to the bar.

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