Obesity- A risk factor for cancer.

Obesity is a preventable risk factor for cancer. Research shows that excess body fat in obese people, due to obesity may increase the risk for cancer. Experts believe that it is mostly due to inflammation caused by visceral fat, which surrounds its vital organs. Cancer is caused by abnormal cell division, damaging cells around them, and causing illness. The more the cells divide and reproduce, the higher the risk of tumor formation.

Why obesity is a preventable risk factor for cancer?

Obesity is a preventable risk factor. Following are the views of experts:-

What experts say:-

As per KarenBasen-Engquist Ph.D. Professor in behavior science at MD Anderson “The problem with excessive visceral fat is that it affects certain processes in your body. This includes how your body manages hormones like insulin and estrogen” She further says, “All of this can lead to increased cancer risk by affecting how and when cells divide and die”.

As per co-author Ahmedin Jemal of the American Cancer Society “Our findings expose recent changes that could serve as a warning of an increased burden of obesity-related cancers to come in older adults.”

“Obesity is now one of the most preventable causes of cancers in the U.S. and U.K.- around 1 in 12 cases in the U.S. are caused by excess weight and more than 1 in 20 in the U.K.”

Obesity increasing sharply worldwide:-

In the last four decades, obesity has more than doubled in the U.S. It has also increased sharply in rich nations and the developing world. It is estimated that around two billion people are obese worldwide. when a person is overweight or obese, it means he has too much body fat to lean tissue such as muscles. There are many factors for obesity, like genetic, hormonal, environmental, emotional, unhealthy or sedentary lifestyles, etc. For more reading- How sedentary lifestyle affects peoples health globally.<<= Please click.

Obesity is an important and preventable risk factor for cancer:-

There is a sharp increase in the rate of obesity-linked cancers in young adults in the U.S. In a study covering two-third of the U.S. population, it was shown that for half a dozen cancers obesity is the known risk factor. Obesity is the third most important and preventable risk factor for cancer in the U.S. Obesity is the cause of about 15% of all preventable cancers.

The type of cancer is associated with obesity.

Obesity is linked with the risk for thirteen types of cancers. It may cause pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, esophageal cancer, breast cancer (among postmenopausal women), endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, gall bladder cancer, stomach, ovaries, and uterus cancers.

As per studies, it was found that 55% of all cancers diagnosed in women and 24% of cancers diagnosed in men are linked to obesity and overweight.

What is the solution?

Maintaining good health. Adopting a healthy lifestyle may help in reducing obesity and the risk for certain cancers.

As per Lisa C. Richardson, M.D., M.P.H., Director of CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, “As an oncologist, when people ask me if there’s a cure for cancer, I say, ‘Yes. good health is the best prescription for preventing chronic diseases, including cancer.” “What that means to healthcare providers like me is helping people to have the information they need to make healthy choices where they live, work, learn, and play.”

How obesity is measured?

Make use of the BMI and calorie intake checker available in our footer section below.

Obesity is measured with body mass index (BMI) and waist measurement. Body mass index is the ratio of a person’s height and weight. A healthy BMI is generally between 18.5 to 24.9. A BMI between 25 to 29.5 is considered overweight. Whereas a BMI of 30 or higher is considered obese.

Healthy waist measurement is under 40 inches for men and under 35 inches for women. Obesity is a risk factor for other health problems like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, etc.

Maintaining a healthy BMI may reduce the risk of cancer.

The risk factor for cancer can be reduced by maintaining a healthy B.M.I.

Staying active:- Leading an active life. Adopting yoga and meditation. Fixing a daily schedule of exercise, under consultation with your healthcare provider may help in maintaining a healthy BMI.

Eating Healthy:- Consuming seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes (beans and peas) in daily diet. And limiting animal protein intake. For more reading- How to reduce cancer risk with diet? <<= Click here. Avoiding fast foods and sugar-added beverages may help in reducing obesity and overweight. For more reading about- Vegetables- The ultimate source of nutrition and protection. <<= Please click.

Limit alcohol consumption:- Alcohol consumption may lead to weight gain. It stops your body from burning fats, It is high in kilojoules. ( kilojoules or calories are the units of energy the body gets after consuming food or drink). Alcohol drinking can make you feel hungry and lead to unhealthy food consumption. Which may add extra kilos to your body weight. If you drink alcohol. Then limit the consumption to one unit for women and two units for men per day. And avoid consuming unhealthy food.

Taking proper rest:- Taking proper rest is important. Quality and quantity of sleep can be achieved by fixing the sleeping and waking up schedule. Avoid watching electronic screens in the bedroom. And reading some good books, may induce sound sleep and provide the body with much-needed rest. Fatigue may lead to unhealthy food consumption. Which may lead to weight gain and obesity.

Few guidelines to reduce obesity:-

Following are a few guidelines, that may help in reducing obesity.

• Including 40 to 50 minutes of exercise in the daily routine.

• Adopting the habit of cycling or walking as far as possible.

• Limiting the consumption of processed food and sugar-enriched food.

• Adding seasonal fresh foods, vegetables, and fibrous food to our diet.

• Minimize stress by adopting yoga and meditation. For more reading- How to cut down stress levels? <<= Please click.

• Adopt a supportive and active daily routine.

• Limiting electronic screen time watching.

• Avoid snacking while watching electronic screens.

• Prioritize balanced sleeping habits.

Wishing all, a healthy disease-free life. Please consult your physician for treatment. For awareness purposes only.