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lisa14973 Asked October 2014

My Dad (82) has a huge belly, rest of body thin. What can be done?

My 82 yo dad has some health issues but under control: BP, bordeline diabetic, had a TIA 3 years ago (on plavix), also a broken hip 3 years ago. he is not very active but moves about. He doesnt eat a lot but I cant get him to eat the right foods, he doesnt care I guess. His belly is huge but the rest of the body normal. Sometimes I wondered if he is retaining water in belly but dr always said no. Heart a little enlarged but ok. Triglycerides are a problem, 300!! it just doesnt go down, he takes lipitor but we have tried other meds and he doesnt tolerate well.
What Can I do? what should I ask doctor to do??
Thanks, any suggestion is welcome.

jeannegibbs Oct 2014
Another possibility is the Metabolic Syndrome.

Sherridene Oct 2014
Have his doctor check for liver failure. Liver failure can cause a buildup of fluids (Ascites) in the abdomen that can temporarily be treated by draining the accumulated fluid. Liver failure can be caused by many different things.. Alcohol consumption, infections , herbal suplements and certain medications.

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lisa14973 Oct 2014
No, he is not alcoholic (thank God) but he does drink one small glass of wine with meals, i am sure sugars has something to do with belly. He likes bread, cookies, pasta... :-(

pamstegma Oct 2014
Is he an alcoholic? Late stage alcoholism will look as you describe, with poor sugar control, fluid on the belly and muscle wasting. Is that possible?

freqflyer Oct 2014
I really believe as we age we all will get that *belly* because we are eating the same but exercising a lot less... thus any added weight will find a new home around one's waistline :P

Only thing that will help at our senior age is walking [if ones knees are ok], lots of walking daily but not all at once. As for what foods to eat, eat the same foods but serve on a smaller plate and don't take seconds.

If there is a recliner in the house, that has been the pitfall for so many Americans putting on weight !! And no snacks while watching TV because one gets so involved with the TV show they don't even taste what they are eating.... need a snack, stand at the kitchen counter, you'll eat much less.

Now, I really need to get off the computer and go for a short walk :)

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