Cancer Risk with Obesity: What You Need to Know
Being overweight refers to having too much body fat, and Body Mass Index (BMI) is one of the ways to assess it. It is calculated by dividing your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. Overweight people have a BMI of 25 or higher, and those with a BMI of 30 or higher are considered obese.
Obesity is a growing public health issue around the world. More than 1.9 billion adults are estimated to be overweight (with over 650 million considered obese). Obesity is becoming a major public health concern around the world as its prevalence rises.
Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including colorectal, postmenopausal breast, endometrial, renal, esophageal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic, and liver cancer. Studies have suggested that the risk of cancer increases as BMI increases. Additionally, obesity is also associated with worse outcomes, including increased risk of recurrence, higher mortality rates and decreased responsiveness to treatment for cancer patients.
What happens in the body when someone is overweight?
Obesity and being overweight have been linked to an increased risk of developing cancers such as colorectal, postmenopausal breast, endometrial, renal, esophageal adenocarcinoma, pancreatic, and liver cancers. Obesity has also been linked to poorer treatment outcomes, including an increased risk of recurrence, higher mortality rate, and decreased responsiveness to treatments.
This extra fat can alter the body’s chemistry, causing issues such as high blood sugar levels and inflammation, and can increase the likelihood of certain cells becoming cancerous (which can result in the formation of a tumor).
It’s important to note that being overweight doesn’t mean you will definitely get cancer, but it increases the risk.
What types of cancer are linked to being overweight?
- Colon cancer
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- Esophageal cancer
Other types of cancer can also be linked to being overweight, but these are some of the most common ones.
What can be done to lower our risk of cancer?
Eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while avoiding unhealthy foods like sugary drinks can help reduce your risk of cancer. It is also essential to be active and move your body every day, such as by going for a walk, participating in a sport, or dancing.
If a person is overweight, losing excess weight can reduce their risk of developing cancer. For example, a person should consult with their doctor or a dietitian to develop a safe and healthy eating and exercise plan.
It is also critical to see your doctor on a regular basis; they can help you stay healthy and detect any problems early, making treatment easier (this includes having recommended cancer screenings on a regular basis).
Remember that it is critical to maintain your health and reduce your risk of cancer. Taking care of yourself today will help you live a healthier life tomorrow.
In Conclusion
Being overweight can increase your chances of developing cancer, but there are ways to reduce your chances. Eating healthy foods and exercising to maintain a healthy weight, and going to the doctor for regular check-ups are all important steps to take.
