Can obesity cause cancer?

Obesity is a health condition where a person has accumulated so much body fat that it might have a negative effect on their health. Being obese increases one’s risk for a multitude of health complications and diseases, including several types of cancers.

Excess weight can cause hormonal imbalances like affecting insulin levels, sex hormones and even trigger long-term reflux problems and heartburns, all of which result in disruption or changes to normal cells which may lead to cancer.

Findings have shown that obesity resulting from a sedentary lifestyle, bad food habits and alcohol consumption is linked with increased risks of various types of cancers such as oesophagus, pancreas, colon and rectum, breast (after menopause), endometrium (lining of the uterus), kidney, thyroid, gallbladder and possibly many more. While many factors influence one’s cancer risk, maintaining a healthy body weight or losing weight if you are overweight, is one way to help reduce that risk.

If you are trying to lose weight, consult your doctor to determine which dietary changes and exercise plans will work best for you. We recommend the following tips to lose weight:

· Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

· Follow an eating schedule and don’t skip any meals or snacks to prevent overeating later. While following a schedule, make sure you aren’t forcing yourself to eat even if you aren’t hungry.

· Eat nourishing, naturally low-calorie foods such as fruits and vegetables. The fiber will keep you full for a longer time and help prevent overeating.

· Use smaller plates which will make a smaller portion look bigger.

· Avoid alcohol, processed foods, and refined sugar.

· Don’t lead a sedentary lifestyle. Incorporate moderate exercise or play any sport which gets you moving.

· Make sure you get adequate sleep.