Beer bellied-gal belts the blues

Dear Dr. Gott: Referring to your article “What Causes Beer Bellies,” how about discussing the other side of the coin?

I am an active female past 60, in perfect health, never had children, never had surgery, am an absolute teetotaler and always have been. I drink nothing other than water – no coffee, no Cokes.

I am no more than 20 pounds overweight except for a “beer belly.” I look like a woman nine months pregnant. Can’t buy any clothes that fit. Don’t have a bubble butt, just an unbelievably enormous belly.

I have taken thyroid pills for years and just recently I read a list of symptoms of thyroid. One of them was “a distended abdomen.” I know the response to this is “talk with your doctor.” The sad thing is that the ones we have here in this neck of the woods know no more about it than I do.

Dear Reader: A beer belly can be caused by factors other than beer. Although I applaud your commitment to a healthful lifestyle (and it certainly rules out many causes of a prominent abdomen), you may be the recipient of genetic factors. Do your sisters – or did your mother or father – have the same problem? Has that “20 pounds” gravitated to your abdomen or are you also noticing some increase in thigh circumference as well? (Thyroid problems should not lead to a beer belly.)

In these cases, a simple weight reduction plan might suffice. People gain weight in particular patterns that doctors often characterize as “apple” or “pear” shaped. You might be helped by my easy and inexpensive no flour, no sugar diet. I’m sending you a free copy of “Losing Weight.” Other readers who are interested can obtain a copy by sending a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, P.O. Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092-0167. Be sure to mention the title.

Having said this, I want to make sure that your increased abdominal girth is not the result of a serious disorder that needs to be addressed immediately.

When confronted with a problem such as yours, most doctors would examine you thoroughly and order reasonable tests to rule out problems with your liver, pancreas, ovaries, uterus and other abdominal organs. You don’t say in your letter if you have had an exam and testing, but the doctors in your “neck of the woods” certainly know what to do.

I’d start with a gynecological examination and Pap test. Next, blood tests, followed by an abdominal/pelvic ultrasound. At the conclusion of this testing (if it is normal), you would be at a crossroad. To the left, more testing (such as a CT scan, colonoscopy and other invasive procedures) may be necessary.

To the right, sit tight, diet and get rechecked in four to six weeks.