How do alcoholic beverages affect weight gain?

Alcohol is fattening: Alcohol, per gram, contains 7 calories. This is greater than carbs (4 cal/gram) and protein (4 cal/gram). If you don't burn up the calories, they are stored away. Hence the term 'beer belly' for those who drink lots of beer all the time. To avoid weight gain, increase your activity level to burn more calories and cut back on alcohol use.