Listening to loud music may lead to a beer belly
Sure, loud bar music isn't great for your eardrums—but it could also be bad news for your waistline.
French researchers found that louder music made guys down a glass of beer 3 minutes faster—causing them to drink 3.4 drinks for the night instead of 2.6 if the music had been at normal volume.
The researchers aren't sure why turning up the music leads to more drinking, but theorize the higher volume may put people into a less-coherent state of mind where they have less control of their behavior. Or it may just be that loud music makes talking difficult, so you drink more.
Either way, an extra drink—even just a few nights a week—can add up to extra baggage around your waist. Be conscious of how many bottles you've had, and think about what you'd look like with a beer belly. Already have one? Join our Belly Off! program, and you'll lose your gut without being a slave to the gym.
If you had too many last night, use these tested hangover remedies to feel better fast. Or try this smoothie or some oatmeal.
And next time the music starts throbbing, instead of drinking, join that brunette on the dance floor. You'll burn calories—and you may score a date.
