Today I found myself thinking, "What is the difference between light beer and regular beer?". I know that light beer is marketed as having less calories. And people would mostly agree that light beer has less flavor. At least I think most people would agree. But what makes light beer light beer?

Wikipedia says that Light beer was invented in 1967 by a biochemist named Joseph Owades and light beer is a beer that is reduced in calories and alcohol. The Wikipedia page doesn't actually say how low calorie or low alcohol content is achieved, but it does suggest that light beers are watered down. 

Assistant Brewmaster Dave Berg of Schell’s Brewing says that making light beer is not as simple as diluting it, but it's about breaking down the starches which results in fewer calories.

Oh, and here's an article that investigates light beer. I haven't read it but it might have more answers.