There are many reasons why you should avoid being overweight or obese; and cancer is one of them. It has long been known that excess weight increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and type-2 diabetes. But, fewer people know about the frightening link between cancer and obesity.
A recent report by the International Agency for Research on Cancer estimates that being overweight and inactive accounts for one-fifth to one-third of all breast, colon, endometrial, kidney and oesophageal cancers. IARC says strong evidence also associates obesity with higher risk of cancers of the pancreas, uterus, prostate and ovary.
New findings suggest that fat cells constantly secrete a variety of hormones and other growth factors into the bloodstream. In obese and overweight individuals, greater amounts of these hormones and growth factors are continually pumped into the bloodstream. Cells are urged to grow and divide at an accelerated rate. Thus, according to this theory, the random mutations that can lead to cancer are more likely.
Are you at risk?
Most of us know when we gain weight. Clothes no longer fit, the mirror becomes an irritating reminder, and the scale is permanently hidden under the bed. Many of us, however, have learnt to overlook these signs. Use either of the following two methods to ascertain whether you need weight control and, consequently, lower your risk of cancer and other chronic diseases.
Body Mass Index: This is one common method used to measure overweight and obesity levels. BMI shows the range of healthy and unhealthy weights for different heights.
Waist circumference: This is a complementary means of assessing possible risks due to excess body fat. Place a tape measure around your waist immediately above your hipbone. Measure right after exhaling. For women, a waist measurement of 35 inches or more indicates high risk. For men, the significant figure is 40 inches or more.
Contributed by Onyekachi Kalu, certified fitness instructor, befitnaija@gmail.com +2348050862690
SOURCE: PUNCH
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