Obesity is a serious health problem
It might sound as just a few more extra kilos, but obesity is actually a more serious problem. Unwatched weight gain is detrimental to human health. If not immediately in the long run it will have a damaging effect on the body, which unfortunately gets irreversible at times.
Obesity is the reason for several life threatening diseases including cancer.
As per US CDC, "being overweight and having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 kinds of cancer."
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About 40% of all cancers are associated with overweight and obesity
Going with the details available on the US CDC website, being obese is related to the following types of cancer:
Adenocarcinoma of the esophagus,
Breast cancer,
Colon and rectum cancer,
Uterus cancer,
Gallbladder cancer,
Stomach cancer,
Kidney cancer,
Liver cancer,
Ovary cancer,
Pancreas cancer,
Thyroid cancer,
Brain cancer
Multiple myeloma.
How obesity increases the risk of cancer?
Adipose tissue or the fat tissue produces an excess amount of estrogen which is associated with cancers of breast, endometrial, and ovarian.
Obese people have higher levels of insulin and insulin like growth factors in the blood. This condition known as hyperinsulinemia is a cancer threat. It might lead to cancer in the colon, kidney and prostate.
Obesity leads to inflammatory conditions which cause oxidative stress, DNA damage and increases the risk of several diseases including cancer.
The risk factors
Weighing more at birth increases the risk of cancer.
Gaining weight as an adult and recurrent gaining weight are also the risk factors of weight gain.
Weight can change over time and if left unchecked or if it fluctuates again and again it increases the risk of cancer.
Healthy body mass index
The weight of an individual is measured by body mass index or BMI.
A healthy BMI is between 18.5 and 24.9. A BMI above 25 is considered overweight and above 30 is considered obese.
One can also measure the weight and health using the waist measurement. A healthy waist measurement is 40 inches for men and 35 inches for women. People with a broader waist are considered to be at risk for several diseases.
How to maintain weight?
Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables, minimizing the consumption of processed food is one of the most effective methods to control weight. A balanced diet comprising fats, carbohydrates, and protein maintains the weight.
Physical activity is also important to maintain body weight. Health reports suggest doing 150 minutes of exercises in a week and if it is vigorous exercise one can do 75 minutes of it in a week. Even brisk walking is ideal and effective for weight management.