Obese Sufferers Are at High Risk of Getting Cancer, Here’s the Reason

Being overweight or obese is related to various health problems, one of which is cancer. Why obesity puts a person at risk for cancer? Check out the explanation below.

The Link Between Obesity and Cancer

Cancer is a disease whose exact cause is unknown. However, an unhealthy lifestyle is considered to contribute to the occurrence of this disease.

In addition, other health conditions are considered to trigger cancer, one of which is obesity. But how are obesity and cancer related?

The relationship between obesity and cancer has been proven by a number of studies. To quote Centers for Disease Control and PreventionObesity is associated with various types of cancer, including:

• Breast.
• Kidney.
• Ovary.
• thyroid.
• Womb.
• Esophageal adenocarcinoma.
• Pancreas.
• Multiple myeloma.
• Heart.
• Stomach.
• Colon.
• Gall bladder.
• Meningioma.

Also Read: Central Obesity: Characteristics, Causes, and How to Overcome

Obese people are considered at risk of cancer because of the visceral fat in the body. These fat deposits don’t just stay in the body, but actively send signals throughout the body.

These signals will tell the cells in the body to divide frequently. This condition will eventually lead to cancer.

More specifically, the signals sent by fat cells can impact several aspects of the body, including:

• Growth hormone: Too much fat in the body can cause growth hormone levels to increase. This causes the body’s cells to divide more frequently, increasing the risk of cancer.
• Inflammation: The body’s immune cells will move towards parts of the body that store more fat. This condition triggers inflammation which causes the body’s cells to divide rapidly. In the end, the risk of cancer can increase.
• Sex hormones: After menopause, fat cells will produce the hormone estrogen. This hormone will cause the cells in the breast and uterus to divide more frequently. This condition increases the risk of cancer.

Also Read: Diabetes and its Relation to Increased Risk of Cancer

Tips to prevent obesity that can be done

For those of you who are overweight, achieving ideal body weight can be the best way to prevent various complications of the disease.

Obese people who are at risk of cancer can do several things, including:

1. Active Move

One way that can be done to achieve ideal body weight while maintaining it is to do regular physical activity.

Start to do regular exercise. If you are still a beginner, choose the type of moderate intensity exercise. After that, you can increase the intensity.

2. Apply a Healthy Diet

Not only active, obese people can reduce the risk of cancer by paying attention to their daily diet.

Expand the consumption of foods that contain fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains. Also, don’t forget to add protein sources to your diet, such as eggs, tempeh, tofu, and low-fat meat.

One thing to remember, make sure your daily calorie intake meets your needs; neither less nor excess.

3. Get Optimal Rest Time

Adequate rest time can help improve general health. Not only that, not getting enough rest can trigger fatigue. This condition can make your appetite increase so you tend to overeat.

So that this is not experienced, try to manage your rest time. Make sure to get enough sleep, which is about 6-8 hours each day.

Also Read: 8 Exercises for Obese People and Tips for Starting the Right Exercise

4. Control Stress

Managing stress well is one way to achieve ideal body weight. Look for healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, keeping your distance from stressors, and taking up hobbies.

5. Reduce Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol can cause weight gain in a number of ways, including stopping the body from burning fat, triggering hunger pangs, and increasing cravings for unhealthy foods.

Therefore, for those of you who are already overweight, try to stop this bad habit.

For starters, you can limit it first. After that, get rid of the habit of drinking alcohol gradually.

Now, that’s the reason why obese people are more at risk of cancer. If you have excess body weight, start to live a healthy lifestyle. That way, you will avoid the negative effects, including cancer.

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