Study: Drinking hoppy beer could lead to ‘man boobs’

(WBMA) — It’s common knowledge too much beer leads to unwanted weight gain.

But what if it’s not just calories adding pounds to the body?

A 1999 study shows that extra-hoppy beers could cause men to develop ‘man boobs.’

According to the study, the more hops a beer has, the higher its amount of estrogenic activity. That’s right – estrogen is found in hoppy beers, like IPAs.

High estrogen levels can lead to enlarged breasts in men.

While this isn’t a major concern, over-exposure to highly hoppy beer can also cause other serious health problems in men, like erectile dysfunction.

For the average drinker, beer aficionado Matt Hayne has some advice.

“Throw a couple of sets of push ups in there, in between,” Hayne suggests.

In contrast, the study has good news for women.

Consuming small amounts of hoppy beer has been associated with a decrease in cardiovascular disease and menopausal symptoms, the study shows.