Q: I am a 17-year-old male of normal height and weight but I have a protruding abdomen. I am sure it is not just fat. It has been like this since I was about 14. I have also recently had slight aches and pains in the abdominal area. What could this be?

A: A protruding abdomen in a young person with minimal symptoms is usually not a serious medical problem.

It is commonly the result of bad eating habits, lack of regular exercise and a weight management problem. It is important to maintain a body mass index of about 23 by avoiding fatty food and doing regular exercises which focus on the strengthening of abdominal wall muscles.

Another common cause of abdominal distention in young people is irritable bowel syndrome, with bloating due to irregular bowel movement and hypersensitivity of the gut. This problem can be resolved with lifestyle and diet modifications and stress management.

However, if the abdominal swelling is bothersome and worsens, you should see a doctor to exclude the remote possibility of having an abdominal growth, metabolic disturbances and endocrine disorders.

Your family doctor will be able to find out the cause of the abdominal protrusion. Investigations, including blood tests, imaging of the abdomen and referrals to the relevant medical specialists, can then be arranged.

Dr Law Ngai Moh

Dr Law Ngai Moh is a consultant gastroenterologist & physician at Raffles Hospital.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on April 16, 2008.