DEAR DR. GOTT: I'm not sure where to begin but to tell you that my father doesn't listen to his family — but he listens to you.

I believe my dad is a closet drinker. He drinks beer in front of us, but has a stash of jug wine that he keeps in the garage, which he drinks in combination with the beer. He knows that we know about it but insists on drinking it in secret. By the end of every night, he transforms from a kind father and husband into a belligerent drunk who usually storms up to his bed and then forgets what happened by the next day. By then, he starts all over again in an extremely vicious cycle.

I'm not writing about his abuse of alcohol, because we've exhausted the issue with him. We know that until he wants to get help, there isn't much we have control over. I am writing because his belly has gotten a lot bigger, he looks really unhealthy, and the entire family is concerned. I heard somewhere that stomach fat is the worst kind a person can carry on the body. We have mentioned this to him and asked him to exercise more (he exercises once a month, if at all), but he just gets angry with us for saying something. So I am asking you, Dr. Gott, to help my father by writing about why stomach fat is so bad for you and what you can do to lose it in ways other than eating well, because he does eat very well.

DEAR READER: You and your family appear to be well aware that most people with alcoholism deny they even have a drinking problem. They don't perceive there is an issue, they believe they can quit any time they choose to, and there is no reason to address the issue.Signs include hiding a supply in locations such as the basement, garage, glove box of the car or hamper; drinking in those secret places; a loss of interest in activities that once provided pleasure; withdrawal from friends and family who reach out to help but are perceived as meddling; becoming annoyed when confronted that there might be a problem; slurred speech; mood swings; a total inability to control the amount consumed; and blackouts. The only thing of importance is that bottle.Alcohol depresses the central nervous system and affects thoughts and judgment. Over time, it can lead to short-term memory loss, cardiovascular problems, diabetes, hypertension, gastritis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach) and liver disorders.I am surprised you say your father eats well. Many alcoholics get "nutrition" through their alcohol consumption and aren't interested in food. If they eat, that's fine. If not, well, there's always tomorrow.Your father's increased abdominal girth is likely the result of his alcohol consumption. His liver and kidneys are probably suffering, and he may have gastrointestinal problems. Alcohol can cause cirrhosis and inflammation of the lining of the stomach. It can damage the pancreas that regulates metabolism and the enzymes that help digest fats, carbohydrates and proteins. Hypertension (high blood pressure) and cardiomyopathy (damage to the heart muscle itself) are linked and can increase the risk of stroke or heart failure. The liver can be inflamed. Body fat isn't healthy and can lead to a plethora of medical problems down the road.There is a great deal of help available if your father truly has a drinking problem and wants to quit. However, he must reach out first. He should speak with his family physician and review treatment options. He needs to be seen to determine the exact cause of his abdominal fat that truly isn't healthy.Detoxification programs, counseling, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and other support groups are available. There is an alcohol-sensitizing drug available that causes nausea, vomiting, headaches and flushing. In fact, in June 2006, the Food and Drug Administration approved its first injectable drug for people with alcohol dependence. The drug that is administered once monthly blocks neurotransmitters in the brain associated with dependence. This form of control is only given to those people receiving counseling and who have been without alcohol for seven days. The injectable breakthrough appears easier to tolerate and continue than comparable pills that are also available.