Obesity: Increased Risk of Cancer

One-third of Americans are clinically obese. For those who have been meaning to lose weight or have been frustrated by earlier weight-loss attempts, there is reason to repledge anew. We know obesity raises the risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes and other serious medical conditions. A newly-released report by the American Institute for Cancer Research estimates excess body fat is responsible for 105,000 cancers every year in the United States, including 33,000 or 17% of all breast cancers. Obesity also lessens the effectiveness of treatment and decreases the chances of survival.

Excess fat increases oxidation and inflammation in the blood, substances which damage DNA and stimulate cell division -- the more frequently cells divide, the greater the risk for developing cancer. Fat cells also produce estrogen, which in turn stimulates cell growth and can encourage estrogen-receptor positive breast cancers. Carrying excess weight exacerbates this problem. While maintaining a healthy weight is important throughout life, women who are overweight or obese after menopause have a higher chance of developing breast cancer compared to women of normal weight.

Calorie management is important to lose weight and keep it off, but physical activity is essential. Being active boosts energy, burns calories, and helps the body control hormone levels. Exercising routinely improves the chance of survival in cancer patients, even among those who are overweight or obese.

It is not always easy to balance a hectic life with a healthy weight. These tips will help you lose weight and keep it off.

November 25, 2009