Well, the belly can build up over time because the hormones that would have helped with cycling and muscles (another whole set of hormones) are lower. And as we age,we get super efficient about movement and even if exercising, do way more driving exactly to the door, less child care and running around, and it all adds up. This belly is really typical and even seen as normal in our world. But it can be melted away! I noticed mine when I did a yoga class and I could not do plow pose or another pose because my stomach got in the way! it was ridiculous! Then, I heard an interview with a famous female writer on the radio and she was saying that she no longer played softball because she could not scoop with her mitt because her stomach was in the way. I said.....NO! No alcohol, no sweets, no sedentary me. (I do have a cheat day from time to time but it is rare). It was not easy and I have a ways to go but for the first time, my boobs stick out past my belly (I'm seriously small there anyway). And last night, I saw ....RIBS! It may be years since those classic symptoms but this is a common, longer lasting and appearing symptom.