Obesity Increases Cancer Risk

It is not shocking news to learn that obesity significantly increases cancer risk.

One of the newest studies connecting obesity to cancer was just published online in the Lancet in August. The study included more than 5 million people which makes it’s conclusions very valid.  We need to understand that obesity is a dangerous health risk.

The study connected people’s body mass index, BMI, to their development of cancer and found a direct connection. And in fact, obesity was linked directly to the top 10 most common cancers. Of the most significant was uterine cancer. Increase in BMI number through increase in weight increased a woman’s risk for developing uterine cancer by large numbers. (“For a woman of average height, our estimates suggest that a 2-stone [12.7 kg] increase in weight would increase the risk of uterine cancer by over 60%,” explained Dr. Bhaskaran, from the National Institute for Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, in the United Kingdom).

What is important to understand is that obesity continues to be a problem in our society and many others throughout the world. We continue to over eat and consume processed foods throughout the world. While in some countries children are starving, many families in the are feeding their children chemical foods lacking nutritional value.

Obesity is risky in many ways. We already understand that obesity increases inflammation and we already know that inflammation has a direct link with most of the top 10 fatal illnesses in the United States.

So we can assume that losing weight is a great way to #1 fight off cancer, and #2 to decrease inflammation and #3 to reduce risk for chronic illness. One of the best ways to lose weight is to adopt a diet change. The Anti-inflammatory diet is strict but very rewarding and if you haven’t tried it, I highly suggest committing to it strictly for a two month period to experiment with the changes you will experience. Everyone that adopts the anti-inflammatory diet sees at least one positive change and the changes are usually not limited to one.

Another way to reduce weight is to adopt an exercise program. It can be simple or complex depending on your athletic ability and level of shape you are in. If you haven’t exercised in a while and are currently obese with health risks, please consult your physician for help in picking out a program that best fits you.

Here are some free to little cost exercises that are great places to start for many people. Start with short time daily and work your way up to 45 minutes EVERY day of exercise.

Walking or jogging

Rebounding

Jumping Rope or Jumping Jacks

Hula hooping

Dancing

Climbing up and down stairs

Yoga … Look at free yoga videos at www.doyogawithme.com

Work out videos … Look for 30 day challenge at bodyrock.tv (only if you are in shape already)

Swimming or water aerobics … May require a gym membership but is gentle on the joints for overweight patrons

Making changes takes time, effort, and desire. Enlist friends for support and start today, no tomorrow!